The New 'Star Wars' Episode VIII Now Has a Name: 'The Last Jedi'

Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, and Finn, played by John Boyega, in a scene from ‘The Force Awakens.’ (David James/Lucasfilm)

You know the drill: each Star Wars movie has an episode number and a name. Like Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. Up until today (Jan. 23), all we knew about the next chapter was that it would be numbered Episode VIII. But the folks over at StarWars.com just announced its name: The Last Jedi.

Based on this news, there has been some speculation on what the movie will entail. For one, we know from the end of Star Wars: The Force Awakens [SPOILER ALERT] that Luke Skywalker has been found living on a mountain top and has a badass beard to boot, so he’s likely been living there, guru-style, for awhile. His finder? Rey, whom we can guess is on the long, hard road to Jedi-dom. (Is she the last Jedi, per the title?)

Besides the title we do know, Star Wars: The Last Jedi was written and directed by Rian Johnson (known for his science-fiction thriller Looper) and executive produced by J.J. Abrams. The Last Jedi is slated for release on December 15, 2017, so keep your eyes peeled for upcoming trailers and everything else in between via RealClearLife.

Below, take a look at the brief announcement trailer released in February 2016.