'Star Wars: Episode 8' Release Date, Plot & Spoilers: Director Rian Johnson Already Shot Sequences In Ireland; Upcoming Sequel Will Be Darker Than ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’?

The "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" has garnered several positive reviews since it hit the big screen. Now, the latest installment of the popular "Star Wars" series has already earned $1 billion globally faster than any movie in history. Not only that, it was also announced as the hugest Christmas weekend ever at the North American box office grossing $153.5 million and a domestic haul of $544.6 million.

"The speed with which records are falling is a testament to the audience broadening out. And you're seeing extraordinary repeat business," Disney distribution chief Dave Hollis said in a statement. "We know anecdotally there are people who are seeing the movie three and four times. Everybody wants to be part of something that has become a cultural phenomenon."

With the skyrocketing success of the latest "Star Wars," new reports now claimed that Disney is now in the works of planning for the next installment of the "Star Wars" trilogy, which is called "Star Wars: Episode VIII" directed by Rian Johnson.

Screen Rant  reported that the director has already shot some sequences in Ireland that suggests that the cast of "Star Wars: Episode VIII" have already read or seen the screenplay. The hype for the next installment went on when new "Star Wars" cast Daisy Ridley opened up to Variety her experiences in filming the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and even shared some details on what fans should expect in the upcoming sequel.

"It's very good; very good. Let's see 'VII' first and then we'll talk about 'VIII,'" Daisy said of the story, which Rian has also written. She even added that the second installment of the trilogy will be "darker" than "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

Screen Rant noted that Rian will be under pressure after the huge success of J.J. Abram's much-loved "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." The entertainment news outlet even reported that the new director has a rich experience in directing films both on big and small screen.  As a matter of fact, he directed science fiction drama "Looper" and some hit episodes of "Breaking Bad."

At the moment, "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" is showing in theaters worldwide, while "Star Wars: Episode VIII" is slated for a release on May 26, 2017.

What re the things you expect in the upcoming "Star Wars: Episode VIII"? Did the "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" live up to your expectations? Share to us your thoughts in the comment section below.