Mark Hamill says ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ will wrap production this month

We’re still a year and a half out from the next numbered episode of the Star Wars saga, but that hasn’t dampened anyone’s enthusiasm for the sequel. In fact, if not for the impending releases of Spider-Man: Homecoming, Justice League and Rogue One, the wait might be nigh on unbearable.

Thankfully, we’ve gotten a few significant updates from those involved with the production along with way, including a couple seconds of footage, some incredible set photos and now a confirmation of when filming will wrap from Luke himself.

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Here’s what Mark Hamill said when a fan on Twitter asked him if he could tell them anything about Episode VIII:

It wraps on Friday July 22nd 2016 #LooseLipsSinkStarships #W8ForVIII #DontBeAHomer #PatienceMyPadawans #Rogue1Sooner https://t.co/92syo6m36d

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) July 2, 2016

That’s right — we’re less than three weeks away from the end of principal photography for the next Star Wars episode. Of course, once they’re done filming, they then have to edit the thing, hype it up with a marketing campaign just as insane as the one for The Force Awakens, and then probably schedule a few reshoots for the spring or the summer of 2017 (as they did with Rogue One).

So, we’re one step closer to Star Wars: Episode VIII being a reality, but with the release of Rogue One less than six months away, Disney will be focusing on the spinoff for the foreseeable future. Then again, there’s a good chance we’ll see a teaser for the next episode when Rogue One hits theaters this fall.

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