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Star Wars cast unveiled, includes Benicio Del Toro

Getty

Getty

Star Wars: The Force Awakens may still be leading the box office figures across the world, but its creators have already moved on.

Production for Star Wars: Episode VIII has begun in London, Disney confirmed on Monday.

“Rey took her first steps into a larger world in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and will continue her epic journey with Finn, Poe, and Luke Skywalker in the next chapter of the continuing Star Wars saga,” Disney said in a statement.

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The cast will remain largely in tact, although newcomers Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern and Kellie Marie Tran will also jump on board.

Unfortunately for fans, the release date of the next film was pushed back before production even started, and is now slated for December 2017.

Disney released a short video to mark the first day of filming, just as The Force Awakens broke the $2billion mark to become the third-highest grossing film in history.

Only James Cameron stands ahead of the franchise now, with both Titanic ($US 2.18 billion) and Avatar ($US2.78) edging out the seventh Star Wars instalment.

Disney head Alan Horn said the milestone was “a historic moment” for Star Wars, Lucasfilm and for Disney.

“The film’s achievements are truly astounding, and it’s our great honour to relaunch this cinematic galaxy not only for all the devoted decades-long fans but for a new generation who will keep the Star Wars legacy alive for many years to come,” he said.

Watch the teaser below

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