Benicio del Toro, Laura Dern and newcomer Kelly Marie Tran have joined the cast of "Star Wars: Episode VIII," which began principal photography this morning at Pinewood Studios in London.

Written and directed by Rian Johnson, the sequel also features returning cast members Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie and Andy Serkis.

Del Toro's possible involvement has been reported for months, with the actor finally saying in August, "I can’t tell you much about it but I think that it might happen." He's thought to be playing a villain.

"Star Wars: Episode VIII" opens Dec. 15, 2017.