Star Wars: Episode VIII Release Date, Spin-Off Movie Title Revealed!

Star Wars: Episode VIII will hit theaters on May 26, 2017.

Disney Chairman Bob Iger announced the release date - which is nearly 40 years to the day that Star Wars: A New Hope hit theaters in 1977 - at a shareholder meeting Thursday. He also confirmed that Rian Johnson will write and direct the next film in the franchise.

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In addition, Iger announced that the title of the first Star Wars standalone film, starring Oscar nominee Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything), will be called Rogue One. Set for release on Dec. 16, 2016, the movie will explore the characters and events beyond the core Star Wars saga, according to Disney. Gareth Edwards (Godzilla) will direct.

J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: The Force Awakens, meanwhile, is scheduled to be released on Dec. 18.

Are you looking forward to Rogue One and Episode VIII?

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