'Star Wars' Hero Luke Skywalker Expected To Return For 'Episode 8' In 2017

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) knew that the force was strong with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). It appears that won't be changing with the new trilogy, as Hamill won't only star in the upcoming "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," but is also rumored to be in 2017's "Star Wars: Episode 8" as well.

Last week, it was revealed Lucasfilm had struck a deal with the Irish government to return to film on the unpopulated island of Skellig Michael. Many believed it was for reshoots of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," but Entertainment Weekly confirmed the upcoming movie trilogy will go back to one of its previous filming locations to shoot scenes in Rain Johnson’s 2017 follow-up, the untitled “Star Wars: Episode 8.” The Irish Examiner reports Mark Hamill will be back for the film, after he was spotted on location with the film crew with his son Nathan.

If Hamill is returning for yet another installment of "Star Wars," it could confirm a theory about part of the plot of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Cinema Blend reports that many believe Skywalker is missing and the search for him will take up some of the story. Theories of where Skywalker can be range from a kidnapping to a willing exile. However, it's believed he won't be seen too often in the first film.

Skellig Michael is an island off Ireland’s Southwest coastline. The Hollywood Reporter notes that the land was labeled a UNESCO world heritage site in 1996, thanks to its ecology and bird life. The country’s Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht agreed that Lucasfilm is only able to film there under the supervision of the country’s National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Monuments Service, who will have representatives on set to ensure that no permanent damage is done to the island or its wildlife.

While there a few details about what the original characters are up to, "The Force Awakens," director J.J. Abrams revealed that villain Kylo Ren is not a sith in an interview with Empire Online in late August. "He works under Supreme Leader Snoke, who is a powerful figure on the Dark Side of the Force,” Abrams dished.

The story will pick up 30 years after the events of "Return of the Jedi." It will also be the first "Star Wars" film not directed by George Lucas.

"Star Wars: Episode 8" is expected to be release on May 26, 2017. The first film of the new trilogy, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" hits theaters Dec. 18.