After reports that ‘Star Wars’ is set to return to Kerry to film this summer, there are new reports that the blockbuster has found yet another Irish location – in Malin Head in Donegal.
It is understood that location scouts from LucasFilm have visited Malin Head and are set to return there in May, according to the Derry Journal, who also report that a number of B&B’s and vacant houses in the area have been completely booked out for the month of May.
This comes after reports earlier this month that the next instalment of the world-renowned space opera will also film in Ceann Sibéal in Kerry, with construction currently underway there.
‘Star Wars 7: The Force Awakens’, directed by JJ Abrams and nominated for five Oscars, was partly filmed on Sceilg Mhichíl in the summer of 2014 with Minister for of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys stating that the shoot “illustrated, once again, that Ireland is a fantastic location for major movie production. It also showed how, with the right safeguards in place, film making can work in harmony with our stunning natural environment." The film is currently the third highest grossing film of all time.
‘Star Wars Episode 8’ is being directed by Rian Johnson (‘Looper’) and sees actors Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver and Mark Hamill return along with new additions Benicio Del Toro and Laura Dern. Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson is also returning as the villainous General Hux. Filming has already taken place on Sceilg Mhichíl in September 2015.
The film is slated for a 2017 release.
