‘Star Wars 8’ delayed start due to weather, Mark Hamill rumors continue
Star Wars Episode VIII was to begin shooting at Skellig Michael, but production plans did not go as planned. The rough seas around Portmagee and Skellig Michael prevented the film crew’s boats from transporting the cast and crew out to the island.
“High winds around Portmagee and Ballinskelligs saw filming of Star Wars: Episode VIII on the Unesco World heritage site of Skelllig Michael cancelled on Monday morning, with the small boats which service the site refusing to go to sea. Locals say the seas were too rough for the boats on Monday morning. Over 100 mm of rain has fallen in Kerry since Friday, leading to the cancellation of two days of Listowel Harvest Festival,” The Irish Times reported.
The Irish Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has published the following marine advisory:
“The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has been advised of filming taking place on Sceilig Mhichíl, (also known as Skellig Michael or Great Skellig Island), Co. Kerry from 5am on Monday 14th September to 7pm on Friday 18 th September 2015. Vessels are requested to give the island a wide berth during these activities. Vessel masters and skippers are reminded to comply with the requirements of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea at all times.”
Also, Irish Examiner reports that a crew of “around 100 people and cast members, including Mark Hamill” were expected to be on the boats due to leave Portmagee today at 7:00 am. Hamill’s son Nathan Hamill posted a beautiful photo from Skellig on his Instagram account.
The Daily Mail published a long story about Hamill nearly injured while filming on the island, a story which the actor denies. More on that HERE
Directed by Rian Johnson (Looper) little is known about the film. Oscar Isaac is the only confirmed star from The Force Awakens with Benicio del Toro set to join the cast, rumored to be a villain.
Star Wars Episode VIII is set to arrive in theaters on May 26, 2017.