There is already a follow-up to "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." "Star Wars: Episode VIII" is already in progress. And fans are undoubtedly jumping for joy.

The untitled "Star Wars: Episode VIII" will be directed by Rian Johnson, the director of the movie, "Looper," which starred Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. There has not been any news as to why J.J. Abrams decided to leave the director's seat and recent reports offer no reason.

According to Cinemablend, Disney's approach to the franchise could take a different direction. They may be looking for new directors for the succeeding sequels--directors who will handle each film uniquely with fresh ideas. They could have gotten J.J Abrams to set up the inner structure of the trilogy and leave fresh minds to do their art with the rest of the "Star Wars" films.

According to Movie Web, "Star Wars: Episode VIII" has already started filming in Skellig Michael Island in Ireland. Even though the movie is still in its early stages, there are already speculations and rumors spreading about cast members who will reprise their roles from the original film.

The very-talked about character is Harrison Ford's Han Solo. In the London premiere for the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," producer Kathleen Kennedy mentioned something about the casting for the "Episode VIII." She said, "There will be a handful of new cast members in 'Episode VIII' but also all the cast members you see here tonight will be in it as well."

The intriguing part is that Harrison Ford was right behind her when she gave the interview. Avid fans have interpreted Kennedy's words to mean that Han Solo may be back with a purpose in the next film. He could be a part of a flashback scene or it could be more than that.

Meanwhile, the new "Star Wars" heroes in "The Force Awakens" will be reprising their roles in the film's sequel. This includes Benecio Del Toro coming back as a villain.

"Star Wars: Episode VIII" is scheduled to hit cinemas on May 26, 2017, giving the film ample time to prepare.