Rian Johnson teases Maz Kanata's return in Star Wars: Episode 8 with new photo

Last month, Daisy Ridley noted that Star Wars: Episode 8 director Rian Johnson might be a "little bit cheekier" when it comes to sharing information on the highly anticipated film, and it looks like that theory was spot on. Johnson had previously posted a behind-the-scenes photo of cinematographer Steve Yedlin, but his latest tease features a face which is a little more familiar - Maz Kanata. Check it out below...

http://rcjohnso.tumblr.com/post/142244762595

The image shows Lupita Nyong'o decked out in full motion capture gear on a soundstage, indicating that Chewbacca's girlfriend will indeed be back for Episode 8. I liked Maz in The Force Awakens, but she was severely underused and halfway through the movie she disappears. Here's hoping Johnson will utilise her a little better this time round.

Directed by Rian Johnson and starring Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Laura Dern, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Lupita Nyong'o, Gwendoline Christie, and Benicio del Toro, Star Wars: Episode 8 opens on December 15, 2017.

Images: Disney/LucasFilm/Rian Johnson

Amon Warmann

Amon is a contributing editor and columnist for Empire magazine, but is also a Film and TV writer for GamesRadar+, Total Film, and others. He has also written for NME, Composer Mag, and more, along with being a film critic for TalkSport. He is also the co-host of the Fade to Black Podcast, and a video mashup creator. Can also do a pretty good Bane impersonation.