Laura Dern and Benicio Del Toro join Episode VIII

Bencio Del Toro, who has been a rumored link to Star Wars for some time now has been officially announced as a cast member for Star Wars Episode VIII. His role has not been revealed, but previous rumors have pointed towards his character being a villian. Del Toro has previously won an Oscar, Golden Globe, and a Bafta for his role in 2000's Traffic, and has also been seen in The Usual Suspects and Snatch.

Laura Dern, who is perhaps most well known for her performance in Jurassic Park was also announced for Episode VIII, but her role has also not been confirmed. She has previously picked up a Golden Globe for the HBO comedy series Enlightened, and can also be seen in the rebooted Twin Peaks.

Kelly Marie Tran is a relative newcomer who has also been confirmed. She has made numerous appearances in videos for CollegeHumor and has also had a role on the TV adaptation of About A Boy. 

Confirmed returning cast members from The Force Awakens include Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Anthony Daniels, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, and Andy Serkis.

Rian Johnson's Star Wars Episode VIII started filming on 15 February 2015 and will be released on 15 December 2017.