The Episode VIII release date change announcement comes on the heels of a rumor that the Rian Johnson-directed sequel was getting a rewrite.The rumor claimed that new characters in Episode VIII were getting their roles diminished in favor of Force Awakens breakouts and returning heroes Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron. The report also claimed that shooting would be delayed a month, but Disney's press release today said Episode VIII is currently in pre-production and will begin principal photography in London next month.
Disney also announced it's pushing up the release date of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales to May 26, 2017, from its previously scheduled July 7, 2017, date.