'Star Wars: Episode 8' Release Date & Plot: Cast of 'The Force Awakens' All Returning For Sequel With 'Handful' of New Actors

After the success of the latest installment in the "Star Wars" franchise, it comes as no surprise that there is already a sequel in the works. In fact, there is already a handful of announcements about the potential blockbuster.

The first, and maybe the most important, is the film's release date. The next film in the new "Star Wars" trilogy is slated for a May 26, 2017 released date in the United States. However, there has not been any news about its international release. The film also does not have a working title yet and for now, it is only being referred to as "Star Wars: Episode VIII."

Another notable piece of information about the next "Star Wars" film is that "The Force Awakens" director J.J. Abrams will not helm it. Abrams has said that he had "horrifying" experiences while working on the recently released film, most notably when he had to screen the unfinished version to high-ranking Disney executives.

Rian Johnson (writer and director of acclaimed films "Brick" and "Looper") will instead direct the latest installment in the long-running franchise. He has already completed a screenplay for the much-awaited movie, which Screen Rant reports J.J. Abrams is a big fan of. Johnson has also been tasked with writing the screenplay for Episode IX, but Colin Trevorrow will direct instead.

The Evening Standard has reported that the cast of "The Force Awakens" will return for the next part of the sci-fi franchise stating, "The president of Lucasfilm has said that iconic cast members will appear in Episode VIII, as will newcomers John Boyega and Daisy Ridley." This is great news for the fans as many fan favorites are set to make a return.

"There will be a handful of new cast members in Episode VIII but also all the cast members you see here tonight will be in it as well," producer Kathleen Kennedy said about the possible new faces in the next film. She has also said that Episode VIII will begin shooting in January of next year. There has not been much talk about the plot of Episode 8, but it has been rumored that it will follow the continued battle of the republic-backed Rebel Alliance against the First Order and their new plight against the Mandalorian army.