Ever since production onStar Wars: Episode VIIIbegan back in February, fans have been treated to a number of photos from the set. Most recently,Mark Hamillshared a photo where his co-starDaisy Ridleywas giving him a piggyback ride, an image reminiscent of Luke Skywalker’sJedi trainingwhere Yoda was strapped to his back. Today we have even more images fromTwitteruser Ali Arkan, which confirms that the iconic A-Wing Fighter ship from theoriginal trilogywill be used inStar Wars: Episode VIII.
The photos surfaced online after British royaltyPrince Harryand The Duke of Cambridge recently visited the set at Pinewood Studios in the U.K., where the A-Wing ships were spotted. The A-Wing ships were first introduced inStar Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, which were described as the fastest starships in the galaxy, and they were later seen in the animated TV seriesStar Wars Rebels. The ships appeared in several of the Expanded Universe novels and video games that surfaced after the original trilogy hit theaters, and now it seems we’ll see them yet again inStar Wars 8.
Naturally, since there is virtually nothing we know about the story thus far, it isn’t known how these ships may be used, or how prominent they will be in this story. The A-Wing was originally pitched forReturn of the Jedias a blue ship, but the color scheme didn’t work with the blue screen photography used in the film, so it was changed to red. This A-Wing used inStar Wars: Episode VIIIis believed to be a new version that evolved from the original design.
Actors such asDaisy Ridley,John BoyegaandMark Hamillare seen in these set photos along withPrince Harry, who actually got to sit in the A-Wing cockpit during his visit. We don’t know for sure ifDaisy Ridley’s Rey,John Boyega’s Finn orMark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker will actually get to pilot these ships, but they will certainly provide an advantage in their battle against the First Order. Hopefully we’ll have more details about these ships as production continues at Pinewood Studios.
Rian Johnsonis directingStar Wars: Episode VIIIfrom his own script, with Disney and LucasFilm setting aDecember 15, 2017release date. Before this adventure hits theaters, fans will get to see the firstStar Warsspinoff,Rogue One, in theaters December 16. While we wait for more details about this ship and the plot itself, take a look at the new set photos below.
