The release date of Star Wars: Episode VIII has been pushed back seven months, to December 2017, Disney Studios has said.

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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will hit theatres this Christmas, but Episode VIII – originally slated for a May 26, 2017 release date, will not screen until December 15.

Fans took to social media to express their disappointment over an increased wait time for the next movie.

Hollywood blockbusters released mid-year have drawn in the biggest audiences in recent years, but Disney noted the success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, released worldwide last month.

The Force Awakens has already become the highest grossing film released in North America, taking $861 million at the box office to date, and the third-biggest global release in history, taking in $1.88 billion.

Episode VIII, written and directed by Rian Johnson, will start filming in London in February and is expected to continue the tale of new characters Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and the villainous Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).

Franchise veterans Carrie Fisher (General Leia) and Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) also are expected to return, although Disney did not comment on casting.

Star Wars: Rogue One, a stand-alone story set in the world of Star Wars with new characters, will be released this December.