#Industry: Lucasfilm and the Irish Film Board confirm Star Wars’ return to Ireland

Lucas Film and Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board have issued a joint statement announcing the return to Ireland of cast and crew of Disney’s Star Wars for the shooting ofStar Wars: Episode VIII.

Star Wars: Episode VIIThe Force Awakens famously filmed on the UNESCO World Heritage site Skellig Michael, with production returning there again for Episode VIII. Episode VIII will also expand to include other areas of Ireland’s west coast and Wild Atlantic Way.

[quote title=”Candice Campos – Lucasfilm, Vice President, Physical Production”]Lucasfilm is thrilled to return to Ireland to film several sequences for the next chapter in the Star Wars saga. The beauty of Skellig Michael in the final scene of The Force Awakens was stunning and we know the new locations along the Wild Atlantic Way will prove to be equally as beautiful in Star Wars: Episode VIII. We want to thank the people of Ireland for their warm welcome and continued support. Ireland has become an important part of Star Wars history.[/quote]

[quote title=”James Hickey – IFB, Chief Executive”]Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board is delighted to welcome the production of Star Wars Episode VIII to some of our most spectacular locations along the Wild Atlantic Way. The Irish film industry has experienced much success this year on the back of major international awards and nominations for Irish films Room and Brooklyn. We believe that having Star Wars Episode VIII film on location in Ireland will also help to build on this success, creating further opportunities and growth for the Irish film industry, resulting in increased levels of job creation, incoming tourists and foreign direct investment to Ireland.[/quote]

Star Wars: Episode VIII is written and directed by Rian Johnson. The film stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis, Benicio del Toro, Laura Dern, and Kelly Marie Tran.

Star Wars: Episode VIII is scheduled for release on December 15th, 2017.