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'Star Wars: Episode 8' release date, spoilers news: Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill wrap filming on sequel

Jackie Villegas
Daisy Ridley as Rey in \"Star Wars: The Force Awakens\" | Facebook/Star Wars Movies

While the hotly anticipated "Star Wars: Episode VIII" won't be in cinemas until December 2017, the film's cast has already begun to wrap production.

Over the past few days, two of the main cast members in Rian Johnson's first entry into the iconic sci-fi franchise have announced that they have wrapped filming for the next installment in the "Star Wars" "Episodes" series. Both Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey, and Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, have taken to Instagram to make their respective announcements.

"And that is a wrap on Star Wars Episode VIII. My heart is brimming. #reyout," Ridley captioned an Instagram photo of herself as Rey.

The photo that accompanied the "Star Wars" star's fond farewell has been the subject of much speculation since. The photo, which appears to be a scene from either the upcoming "Episode VIII" or the box office hit "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens," shows Ridley's Rey wielding a lightsaber as she stands with her eyes closed, with snowflakes swirling around.

While the photo may be from a scene in "Episode VIII" that also takes place on a snowy planet, it could very well be a throwback to Rey's lightsaber battle with Adam Driver's Kylo Ren on Starkiller Base in "Episode VII."

Prior to Ridley's announcement, "Star Wars" fans saw Hamill's sign-off, which he also posted on Instagram.

"Saying goodbye is hard when you've had the time of your life. I can't thank the cast and crew enough, I couldn't have done it without you. Loads of love, mh #StarWars #EpVIII #WrapParty," the "Star Wars" veteran actor captioned an Instagram snap of the film's wrap party.

While the sequel's main filming stretch may be finished or nearly finished, as proven by the wrap party, there will inevitably be more work done on the film later down the line.

Hamill revealed the end of production in a tweet earlier this month.

"It wraps on Friday July 22nd 2016 #LooseLipsSinkStarships #W8ForVIII #DontBeAHomer #PatienceMyPadawans #Rogue1Sooner," he answered when a follower asked about "Episode VIII."

"Star Wars: Episode VIII" hits theaters Dec. 15, 2017.

Before that, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" drops Dec. 16.

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