'Star Wars Episode VIII' release date and rumors: New details of who Benecio del Toro and Laura Dern will play

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opened up as one of the most successful movies of 2015, and a lot of fans are waiting for the sequel which is set to come out next year. New tidbits have come out about some characters that will be introduced in "Episode VIII," and a set photo has also been released online.

According to Making Star Wars, Benecio del Toro's character will be some sort of "man in black" type of character. Del Toro was once rumored to be one of the antagonists for the movie, but it looks like the heroes will treat him as an ally. The character is said to wear all black, is clean shaven, and has hair that looks like Poe Dameron's (Oscar Isaac).

The site then goes on to compare del Toro's character to Lando Calrissian in "The Empire Strikes Back." Calrissian was initially introduced as a friend in the movie, but it was found out that he gave up Han Solo and his friends to Darth Vader.

Laura Dern has also been cast in the movie and her character has been described as "aristocratic." Her hair is said to be pink and her outfit in the movie looks like a hybrid of "The Hunger Games" and "Star Wars." Her look is also said to be reminiscent of some of the costumes in the prequels, meaning they are not as gruff or jagged as that of the original trilogy.

There has also been a set photo leaked of what looks to be a stand-in for Dern. It's not clear if the violet mesh on top of her head is meant to protect her hair or be her actual hair, but more details are likely to come out soon.

Some are guessing that the first teaser for the movie may very well come out close to the release of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," and it may even be connected to the movie as well. No official release date has been announced, but a lot of fans have their ear to the ground.

"Star Wars Episode VIIII" is set to come out on Dec. 15, 2017.