'Star Wars Episode VIII' release date and news: Lupita Nyong'o hasn't filmed any of her scenes yet

Principal photography for Rian Johnson's "Star Wars Episode VIII" has officially wrapped up, but reports say that Lupita Nyong'o, who played Maz Kanata in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," has not yet shot any of her scenes for the film. This makes fans wonder if Maz will have a substantial role in "Star Wars Episode VIII?" Or will she reappear only in "Episode IX?"

In an interview with Collider, Nyong'o said, "I haven't worked with [Rian Johnson] yet; I've yet to shoot. That's in my future."

Granted that her character is fully computer-generated, it makes sense that Nyong'o would be brought in to shoot later in the day. There may even be a possibility that her character may not ppear in this film at all and Maz will return instead for "Star Wars: Episode IX."

Maz Kanata is some sort of Yoda/Jabba the Hutt hybrid character. Like Yoda, she is centuries old and she is wise in the ways of the Force. Like Jabba, she chooses to have her company with pirates and thieves, and she has a palace filled with all of her treasures.

Maz also has some key information that fans have been dying to know: How did she get her hands on Anakin Skywalker's old lightsaber? In "The Force Awakens," she definitely had an answer but she chose to disclose the information at a different time. Could "Episode VIII" finally reveal the hidden backstory of the lost lightsaber?

As of now, Nyong'o is busy working on Marvel's "Black Panther." Reports are saying that she is currently stocking up on comics and reading material to get ready for the movie. She will be playing Nakia, a member of the Dora Milaje. This group is comprised of the special bodyguards of the Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman).

"Star Wars Episode VIII" will hit theaters in December 2017.