Production began onStar Wars: Episode VIIIback in February at Pinewood Studios in the U.K., and while it will be quite some time before we see the first trailer, a handful of set photos have surfaced over the past few months. Earlier today,Twitteruser Ali Arkan posted a set of photos revealing the cast and crew were treated to a royal visit from none other thanPrince Harryand The Duke of Cambridge. As you can see in the images below, these regal visitors were greeted by none other than iconicStar Wars charactersChewbacca and BB-8, along with starsMark Hamill,Daisy Ridley,John Boyegaand LucasFilm PresidentKathleen Kennedy.
These photos also proved to be quite revealing, since they confirm the presence of theA-Wing Fightership, which was first introduced inStar Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, described as the fastest starship in the galaxy, and they were later seen in the animated TV seriesStar Wars Rebels. The ships appeared in several of the Expanded Universe novels and video games that surfaced after the original trilogy hit theaters, but little is known about how they will be used inStar Wars: Episode 8. Still, these photos reveal thatPrince Harryeven got to sit in the cockpit of an A-Wing, while chatting withMark Hamill.
This week, the first four people to donate or raise at least $500 will have the chance to win aStar Warsprize pack including a BB-8 powered by Sphero, signed byJ.J. AbramsandKathleen Kennedy. Additionally, the top fundraiser this week has the chance to win a tour of Lucasfilm in San Francisco, with a screening of any Star Wars movie of their choice while there. This month-long campaign will lead up toStar Wars Dayon May the 4th. The four select charities include the U.S. Fund for UNICEF in support of UNICEF Kid Power, American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Make-A-Wish.
Over the course of the four-week period, which culminates at 11:59pm (PST) on May 4th, fans will be able to donate through CrowdRise.com/ForceForChange to these four charities and have their donations matched dollar for dollar up to $1,000,000. All participants who enter will also have a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Ireland, including Skellig Michael along the Wild Atlantic Way, the location of the dramatic final scene fromThe Force Awakens. Show your Force and visit CrowdRise.com/ForceForChange now for more details. Check out the new video withOscar Isaacand BB-8 below, along with the new set photos withPrince Harryand the cast ofStar Wars: Episode VIII, which arrives in theaters August 22, 2025.
