"Star Wars Episode 7" will just be the first of a flurry of movies set in the sprawling, enormously-loved sci-fi universe. "Star Wars Episode 8" will be one of those films and it will serve as the follow-up to the JJ Abrams-directed movie that will hit the silver screen in Dec. 18.

According to The Wrap, casting for the sequel has already begun with Benicio Del Toro reportedly in negotiations to play a big bad role in the film. It is still unknown which character it will be but the site claims that Disney and Lucasfilm want an "A-list talent" to fill it.

Joaquin Phoenix is also being eyed for the role, reports the abovementioned site. But the collaborators are reportedly keener on having the Oscar-winning actor onboard the "Star Wars Episode 8" ensemble. Del Toro's most recent sci-fi gig was "Guardians of the Galaxy," where he appeared as The Collector.

Cinema Blend surmises that there are five villains in the "Star Wars" universe that is likely for Del Toro to play. Among others there's Grand Admiral Thrawn, a ruthless Imperial officer post Darth Vader era and Tsavong Lah, who is obsessed with killing Han Solo and Princess Leia's kids.

As per Game Spot, the production for the upcoming film will commence next year. Rian Johnson, known for his work in "Looper," will be directing it. Ram Bergman will serve as the producer alongside Lucasfilm's very own Kathy Kennedy.

As one would expect, there are no on hand solid plot details for "Star Wars Episode 8." After all, obtaining details on the story for "Star Wars Episode 7," which will be out in five months' time, is very difficult to feat.

There is no word on the casting although The Wrap writes that John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar Isaac, who will all be introduced as new generation characters in "Star Wars Episode 7" should appear in "Star Wars Episode 8" and will continue to hold the torch.

"Star Wars Episode 8" is scheduled to release May 26, 2017. Should he end up with the unspecified villain role, fans will get to see him first star alongside Emily Blunt in the upcoming crime drama "Sicario" directed by Denis Villeneuve.

He will also appear in a yet to be titled Terrence Malick film and will join Idris Elba in "The Trap" helmed by Harmony Korine. It is still unknown if he will reprise his The Collector role in "Guardians of the Galaxy 2."