Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern join 'Star Wars: Episode VIII'

Image courtesy- AP

Los Angeles: Actor Benicio Del Toro and actor Laura Dern has joined the cast of 'Star Wars: Episode VIII'.

The shooting for the next installment in the franchise began two days back at London's Pinewood Studios, Disney, reported Deadline.

Newcomer Kelly Marie Tran has also joined the cast that includes Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyongo, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, and Andy Serkis.

Written and directed by "Looper" helmer Rian Johnson, 'Episode VIII' continues the storyline introduced by 'The Force Awakens'.

Produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman the film has JJ Abrams, Jason McGatlin and Tom Karnowski serving as executive producer.

'Star Wars: Episode VIII' is slated for December 15, 2017 release.