'Star Wars: Episode 8' Release Date, Cast, Plot & Rumors: Movie to Get a Strong Female Lead?

Disney and Lucasfilm have reportedly released a casting call for a "strong, young, female character" who could play the part of Han Solo's daughter in "Star Wars: Episode VIII".

The film's director, Rian Johnson, is said to be very hands on in the screening process according to sources who have spoken with GeekNation on condition of anonymity. According to the unnamed sources, this female character will be shown in multiple scenes in the film. She will be significant in the narrative of the story of the Solo family.

If this insider information is true, GeekNation speculated that it is likely that Hans Solo's daughter will only be introduced in Episode VIII. If this is the case, then the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will end in such a way that more new characters will be introduced.

"Episode VIII" will continue the saga after "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced in March as reported by StarWars.com. Iger had also mentioned at the time that Johnson will also be writing the script.

Iger also announced that "Episode VIII" is set for release on May 26, 2017, adding that the release date is "forty years and a day after the release of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977."

Meanwhile, Benicio Del Toro had been teasing of a possible role in "Episode VIII." Speaking with ET at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's Grants Banquet, Del Toro said his inclusion "might happen" and he admitted that he's "very excited" about it.

The "Guardians of the Galaxy" actor, however, refused to reveal further details about his role and the film's story. He said the film's production executives are very strict. "I can't talk too much about it. The script is hard to get. They told me they'd cut my finger if I talk about it," Del Toro coyly told ET.

"Star Wars: Episode VIII" is surrounded with so much secrecy that no other information are being told about it. In the recently held D23 EXPO 2015, Alan Horn, president of Walt Disney, made announcements regarding "Star Wars Episode IX" to be released in 2019, instead. He also mentioned the Star Wars Anthology film, which will be directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, showed the first cast photo for the Star Wars stand alone film, "Rogue One," and provided updates for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," set for release on December 18, 2015.