With Rian Johnson's "Star Wars: Episode VIII" hitting the big screen two years from now, it has been reported that "Guardians of the Galaxy" actor Benicio Del Toro is going to play an antagonistic role in the forthcoming film.
Sources told The Wrap that Del Toro has received an extended offer coming from Disney and Lucasfilm to play the main villain in the film. The actor's ability to invoke peril on an impulse makes him the perfect cast to play the utmost threat in the film.
While Del Toro has not given a word on his possible appearance in Johnson's "Star Wars: Episode VIII," Disney and Lucasfilm are eagerly eyeing on the "Guardians of the Galaxy" actor.
It is not the first time that Del Toro has been tapped to play a central villain in sci-fi cinematic universes, according to Cinema Blend. In November 2011, the actor was reported to be approached by director J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek Into Darkness" to play main antagonist Khan Noonien Singh. However, the role was passed on to Benedict Cumberbatch, as Del Toro reportedly refused the offer.
Known as The Collector in James Gunn's "Guardians of the Galaxy" in 2014, Del Toro will also be seen in an untitled Terrence Malick musical drama project next year and in Harmony Korine's crime-thriller film "The Trap" in 2017.
Aside from Del Toro playing a villainous role, "Star Wars: Episode VIII" also stars "X-Men: Apocalypse" actor Oscar Isaac as T-70 X-wing pilot Poe Dameron. Other members of the cast and the exact plot details have yet to be revealed.
Johnson's "Star Wars: Episode VIII" is slated to premiere in theaters in the United States on May 26, 2017.