Ever since production on Star Wars: Episode VIII began back in February, fans have been treated to a number of photos from the set. Most recently, Mark Hamill shared a photo where his co-star Daisy Ridley was giving him a piggyback ride, an image reminiscent of Luke Skywalker's Jedi training where Yoda was strapped to his back. Today we have even more images from Twitter user Ali Arkan, which confirms that the iconic A-Wing Fighter ship from the original trilogy will be used in Star Wars: Episode VIII.
The photos surfaced online after British royalty Prince Harry and The Duke of Cambridge recently visited the set at Pinewood Studios in the U.K., where the A-Wing ships were spotted. The A-Wing ships were first introduced in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, which were described as the fastest starships in the galaxy, and they were later seen in the animated TV series Star Wars Rebels. The ships appeared in several of the Expanded Universe novels and video games that surfaced after the original trilogy hit theaters, and now it seems we'll see them yet again in Star Wars 8.
Naturally, since there is virtually nothing we know about the story thus far, it isn't known how these ships may be used, or how prominent they will be in this story. The A-Wing was originally pitched for Return of the Jedi as a blue ship, but the color scheme didn't work with the blue screen photography used in the film, so it was changed to red. This A-Wing used in Star Wars: Episode VIII is believed to be a new version that evolved from the original design.
Actors such as Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Mark Hamill are seen in these set photos along with Prince Harry, who actually got to sit in the A-Wing cockpit during his visit. We don't know for sure if Daisy Ridley's Rey, John Boyega's Finn or Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker will actually get to pilot these ships, but they will certainly provide an advantage in their battle against the First Order. Hopefully we'll have more details about these ships as production continues at Pinewood Studios.
Rian Johnson is directing Star Wars: Episode VIII from his own script, with Disney and LucasFilm setting a December 15, 2017 release date. Before this adventure hits theaters, fans will get to see the first Star Wars spinoff, Rogue One, in theaters December 16. While we wait for more details about this ship and the plot itself, take a look at the new set photos below.