Tom Hardy Cast in ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ as a First Order Stormtrooper — Report

“Star Wars Episode VIII” is still without a title, but it does have a new cast member: Tom Hardy, he of “Mad Max: Fury Road” fame and a reported finalist to play James Bond now that Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007 has seemingly come to an end. Per the Daily Express, Hardy will have a cameo as a First Order stromtrooper à la Craig in “The Force Awakens” — which you may not have even realized was a thing until right now (I certainly didn’t.)

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According to the report, Hardy’s character will recognize Finn (John Boyega) from behind during a brief scene and, thinking he’s still a fellow member of the First Order, mistakenly congratulate him on his promotion to Resistance Infiltrator.

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Other new additions to the franchise include Benicio del Toro as the new film’s villain and Laura Dern in an as-yet unspecified role. “Episode VIII” is being directed by Rian Johnson, who also helmed “Brick” and “Looper.” It’s set to be released on December 15, 2017.

For more, watch the “Force Awakens” trailer: