Recent casting news about the "Star Wars Episode 8" movie has set rumor mills ablaze. Hongkong action star Donnie Yen reportedly landed a role in the epic space adventure, and will play a Chinese Jedi who eventually becomes Han Solo's ally.
According to Cinema Blend, the casting news was reported by Hongkong tabloid Apple Daily, who claims that Yen will be playing a Jedi in "Star Wars Episode 8." The article further states that the Chinese Jedi will become a friend to Harrison Ford's Han Solo in the battle against the neo-Imperial organization known as The First Order. The report even claims that the actor will leave for London early next month to begin filming for the movie.
Donnie Yen previously appeared on Hollywood films such as "Shanghai Knights" and "Blade II." The actor also stars in the upcoming movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend" -- a follow-up film to Chow Yun Fat's mystical kung fu movie. Yen was reportedly chosen among notable stars such as Jet Li, Stephen Chow, Tony Leung, Chang Chen, Daniel Wu and Wang Leehom. However, only Yen and Jet Li were shortlisted for the "Star Wars Episode 8" role. The Hongkong tabloid also reports that the actor was eventually chosen since Li's price was too high.
Considering the source of the news, it is still unsure whether the casting rumor is true. The Dork Side of the Force finds the report of Han Solo gaining a new ally suspicious. The site further states that the tabloid's spoiler of Han Solo appearing in "Star Wars Episode 8" ends rumors that the character will disappear or die in "The Force Awakens." Slashfilm also finds the report of Yen shooting scenes for the movie next month senseless, given that "Episode 8" isn't anywhere near production yet. Sources from Twitchfilm, however, states that this could be plausible especially with recent rumors that director Gareth Edwards was considering a number of Chinese actors for a part in the Star Wars film "Rogue One."
Meanwhile, confirmed news for "Star Wars Episode 8" includes Rian Johnson taking the directorial helm for the movie, with actor Oscar Isaac rejoining the cast. The movie is set to hit big screens on May 26, 2017.
