Rian Johnson Talks 'Star Wars: Episode VIII,' The Fate Of Finn Teased, Carrie Fisher Lets A Spoiler Slip, And More

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Yesterday, we got another taste of Gareth Edwards’ “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” at Star Wars Celebration in the U.K. Fans were treated with some pretty excellent behind-the-scenes footage of the movie, revealing some impressive sets, practical effects and what looks to be a whole new world. We also got a first look at the new poster, plus an accidental spoiler from Asian actor Wen Jiang that we won’t mention here.

READ MORE: New Poster And Extensive Featurette Explores The Vast World Of ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’

Today, the focus in on Rian Johnson’s follow-up to “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” simply titled so far “Star Wars: Episode VIII.” Even though the film doesn’t come out until December 2017, Lucasfilm trotted out director Rian Johnson and producer Kathleen Kennedy, who revealed some interesting tidbits.

What they did show? Only a few photos of the film, behind-the-scenes footage and scenes from the movie. But there was lots to talk about, and some surprise guests too.

At the panel, which wasn’t streamed live but was detailed on the “Star Wars” Live Blog, Johnson said he brought the cast together to screen films like “Three Outlaw Samurai,” “Letter Never Sent,” “Gunga Din,” and “12 O’Clock High,“ as inspiration, so it’ll be interesting to see how that’s applied to the fabric of the Star Wars universe.

Meanwhile, Johnson noted, “For the first time, this movie is going to start where the last one left off,” he said. They went back to Skellig Michael, “a very mystical, magical place…It was appropriately surreal.” So, one wonders if a “Star Wars” crawl is needed…

READ MORE: Review: J.J. Abrams’ ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Starring Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac & More

The director also revealed a lot of photos he had taken, many of them with green screen in the background, but he assured the crowd, “But I want to let everyone know that the amount of sets we’ve built is absolutely ridiculous.”

There was an emphasis on not giving too much away, but there were some interesting hints at what’s to come. John Boyega hit the stage later in the panel, and when talk came up about the fate of Finn, who we last saw unconscious in ‘The Force Awakens,’ the filmmakers naturally played coy. But Johnson did say at one time, they batted around around the idea of cutting back and forth to Finn in a coma. Hmm….

Also stopping by were directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who will be tackling the Han Solo spinoff movie, along with their star, Alden Ehrenreich. Last fall, rumors swirled about the actors being considered for the part, but the filmmakers made it clear the actor was their number one choice. “We turned over every rock to find someone who has the charisma and magic swagger,” Lord said.

Miller added, “But it was a waste of money because the person to get the part was literally the first person to walk through the door.”

READ MORE: 5 Films That Helped Alden Ehrenreich Win The Han Solo ‘Star Wars’ Role

Elsewhere at Star Wars Celebration, chatter about the future of the franchise swirled, with one little nugget of information given away.

**Spoilers ahead**

During The Princess Diaries panel, Carrie Fisher revealed that Han Solo’s funeral would appear in ‘Episode VIII’ (via The Telegraph).

**Spoilers end**

That was really it for the panel, Star Wars Celebration. But don’t worry, there’s lots more to come. “I’m really looking forward to the next year and a half…I think we’re going to have a really good time together,” Johnson said.

Below, photos, tweets and trailers for the films that inspired ‘Episode VIII.’

Gareth Edwards cameoed in Episode VIII! This is the Rogue One director in costume Star Wars Episode VIII Set Dave Filoni Star Wars Episode VIII Ireland Shoot