First "Star Wars" standalone film to be titled "Rogue One," "Episode VIII" set for 2017 release
Disney and Lucasfilm announced two big developments from the "Star Wars" universe Thursday during a shareholders meeting in San Francisco.One of those announcements is that the first standalone "Star Wars" films will be titled "Rogue One."25Photos"Star Wars Episode VII": Meet the castAdam Driver, Oscar Isaac and Andy Serkis among those joining returning stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford for the 2015 filmDirected by Gareth Edwards ("Godzilla") and written by Chris Weitz ("Cinderella"), the film stars Felicity Jones and is being billed as the first "in a unique series of big-screen adventures that explores the characters and events beyond the core 'Star Wars' saga." Plot details have not been revealed, but the project begins filming in London this summer and will open in theaters on Dec. 16, 2016.This is one of two "Star Wars" standalone films known to be in the works. Another is being developed with director Josh Trank ("Chronicle").The other big reveal? A release date for "Star Wars: Episode VIII." That film, which will be written and directed by Rian Johnson ("Looper"), is set for release on May 26, 2017. The next film in the "Star Wars" saga, the J.J. Abrams-directed "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," opens Dec. 18. That film's cast includes returning "Star Wars" cast members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, as well as franchise newcomers Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac and Lupita Nyong'o.