Star Warsfans could be treated to a whole new level of immersion in a Galaxy far, far away, as Disney are reported to be currently planning up to 10 more releases following The Force Awakens.
Following Episode VII’s triumphant release in December studio bosses are already said to be planning a slew of new titles under the franchise, as well as character spin-offs.
And speaking to The Sun in Los Angeles, director and executive producer J.J. Abrams teased fans by revealing the team behind the franchise revitalization are discusing some very ‘cool’ things.
Speaking to the newspaper, he dropped the biggest hint yet that that Disney are planning on pushing the boat out, saying: 'There are some really cool things being discussed.
‘It is very exciting to see how it is being put together.’
But, as usual, the director remained tight lipped on any actual details surrounding what the films could even be about.
Abrams’ teasing of multiple new films was also backed up by a source, who revealed the success of Force Awakens had given Disney bosses a lot to ‘think about’.
‘So many characters’ back-stories can now be brought to life,’ the insider explained. ’ When these ideas came from George Lucas 40 years ago, technology was lagging behind.’
And with the first Star Wars spin-off Rogue One due in December, it seems the number beyond what is already touted - two more trilogy films and a further three spin-offs - could be increased.
With Episode VIII already in production at London’s Pinewood Studios, the film has been slated for a 2017 release - appearing to confirm Disney’s plans to stagger year-on-year releases in the genre.
And while little is known regarding Episode VIIII it is slated for release in 2019 to coincide with the Han Solo and Boba Fett movies hitting cinemas either side of it in 2018 and 2020 - both with the potential to garner their own slew of sequels.
The exciting news for fans of all things The Force come just weeks after Rian Johnson revealed a sneak peak into Episode VIII, by releasing a short clip of the shoot in progress.
The snippet shows Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker facing off against Daisy Ridley’s Rey on a grassy bank, on an unkown planet.
Following a brief confrontation the scenes is interrupted by a man in sunglasses sitting behind a camera who says, ‘Cut!’ - the man is Rian Johnson, the director of the new film.
He seems to be in a jolly mood and is surrounded by crew. He then says, ‘Beautiful’ and then an image of the number VIII is seen in bright yellow type over a starry scape, before the director announces: ‘Ladies and gentleman welcome to Episode VIII.’ The crowd roars.
Yellow letters pop up again that read, ‘In production’.