If you were really eager to see Star Wars: Episode VIII next May, prepare to be disappointed — Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales will open in that spot instead. Episode VIII has been delayed to Dec. 15, 2017, keeping in line with the Christmas releases of The Force Awakens and Rogue One.
Yes, I was excited to see Star Wars reclaim the summer, but The Force Awakens proved that releasing a Star Wars flick in December can still put crazy numbers of butts in seats. Also, Rian Johnson, Kathleen Kennedy, and everyone involved should take all the time they need to make this movie. Episode VII set up a lot of pins that VIII will have to knock down, and whatever rewrites are going to happen in this extra time are likely vital to making VIII not only a good film, but a good direct sequel to The Force Awakens.
I’m only speaking for myself here, but I’m kind of relieved that this has been pushed back. Another Star Wars just five months after Rogue One would’ve probably been a bit much for me. I’m already in recovery from Star Wars overload, so knowing that the release schedule has been evened out gives me some comfort.
The bad news? Spielberg’s Ready Player One is also currently set for Dec. 15, 2017. There’s an Avatar sequel coming that month, too (supposedly). Disney’s throwing that Star Wars weight around, and I would expect the others to move out of the way, lest they be crushed.
Source: THR
Read Drew’s take on this news over at Wikia!