Starwars.com put out a press release this morning announcing the start of filming for Star Wars: Episode VIII!  The site confirmed that principal photography began at Pinewood Studios in London on February 15th, 2016.

The press release gives us the names of some returning cast and crew in addition to some newcomers.  The returning cast includes Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, and Andy Serkis.  Some of the announced newcomers to the cast are Benicio Del Toro, Kelly Marie Tran, and Laura Dern.

At the bottom of the Web page is an awesome short video to go with the announcement.  Make sure to check it out below and also check out the official site for more details.

We’re one step closer!

Star Wars: Episode VIII — now filming.

Update: John Boyega just tweeted that filming for the day is complete!

First day on Star Wars 8 complete ! We must face them! Fight them!

— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) February 15, 2016