Will Lupita Nyong'o Be Back For Episode VIII?

One of Star Wars: The Force Awakens' newest and most mysterious characters has to be Lupita Nyong'o's Maz Kanata. SPOILERS AHEAD. Maz is introduced to us as not only a pirate, but also an old friend of Han Solo and the owner of a popular watering hole within the galaxy. However, aside from the fact that she has seen a lot in her old age, we really don't know much else about her past or what we might expect from her character moving forward in the Star Wars franchise. And, along with the issue of the destruction of her watering hole by the New Order in Episode VII, and with Lupita Nyong'o not currently listed on the IMDB line-up for Star Wars: Episode VIII, I'm starting to get worried about whether or not her character will even make a repeat appearance at all. So will Maz Kanata be back for Episode VIII?

There's no denying that her character is of the utmost importance. Why? Well, she is the one who had Luke Skywalker's light saber and helped Rey awaken the Force within herself after all. How? We don't know. But I can't help but see the resemblance between her character and Yoda. With her centuries-old age, her short stature, her undeniable wisdom, her knowledge and props related to the power of the Force, and her ability to help Rey, she's basically the new Yoda. In fact, I'm thinking she may even be related to Yoda.

And what assures the importance of Maz Kamata even more? The fact that Lupita Nyong'o's character was originally intended to appear in the film more than she was until there were issues within production. So, what are we missing from her story? What was cut out? And could it be related to the scenes that Luke Skywalker may have had cut out as well? Either way, we're left to believe that there is definitely more to this story than what we've been initially shown. Especially considering the fact that J.J. Abrams has mentioned about "a dozen" full scenes have been deleted from the overall film.

So, will we ever see her again and get the rest of her story? According to Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, "“There will be a handful of new cast members in Episode VIII but also all the cast members you see here tonight [at the London The Force Awakens premiere] will be in it as well." So, it seems that a Maz Kamata return is pretty much set (aside from any fears otherwise). And, let's be real... Why would anyone ever cut the amazingly-talented Lupita Nyong'o from their film... right?

Images: Walt Disney Motion Pictures; Lucasfilm; Giphy