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Rian Johnson to direct 'Star Wars Episode VIII;' Gareth Edwards' standalone movie gets a title, release date

By Karen Butler
Felicity Jones arrives on the red carpet at the 87th Academy Awards at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 22, 2015. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
1 of 2 | Felicity Jones arrives on the red carpet at the 87th Academy Awards at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 22, 2015. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

LOS ANGELES, March 12 (UPI) -- The first standalone Star Wars movie will be titled Rogue One, Disney announced Thursday.

The film is to be directed by Gareth Edwards and written by Chris Weitz.

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Starring Felicity Jones, the movie is to start production this summer in London and is scheduled for theatrical release on Dec. 16, 2016.

The studio also said Rian Johnson will write and direct Star Wars Episode VIII, the next installment of the saga after the events of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, which is to hit theaters Dec. 18, 2015.

Star Wars Episode VIII is set for release on May 26, 2017.

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