'Episode VIII' Will Surprise 'Star Wars' Fans

Filming for Star Wars: Episode VIII is already underway, and fans are desperate to find out what happens next. However, there's also another new factor that Star Wars fans have to take into consideration: There's a new director onboard. While it's not uncommon for movie franchises to switch directors between movies, when it comes to George Lucas' galaxy far, far away everything is just a bit more sensitive. With Rian Johnson directing Episode VIII, it's only natural for fans to be concerned. Will the storyline stay true? Will the special effects be too much? Will the characters make sense? Well, according to Star Wars' very own Poe Dameron — or Oscar Isaac himself — Episode VIII is different from the previous films. However, I still believe that, based on his comments, there is no need to fear.

In an interview with the L.A. Times, Isaac mentioned what filming is like on-set with Rian Johnson for the next installment of the latest Star Wars trilogy. The production certainly doesn't seem to feel like the blockbuster Episode VII proved the franchise to be at the box office this past December. Instead, things seem to be straight-up different. "Rian is definitely going to places and investigating things that haven’t really been done in the Star Wars universe. For me, it’s so fun getting to explore different things that I wouldn’t have expected in this universe," said Isaac. "In some ways it feels like we’re making an independent film. Certain things we get to play with — this kind of intimacy that we get to find — it's special. It’s been really fun."

Uh-Oh. Let the fandom-wide panic commence. Or... Actually, let's all just hold on for a second. Isaac didn't actually say anything bad. In fact, what he did do in the interview was agree with statements made by Star Wars writer, Lawrence Kasdan, who stated, "Rian Johnson is a friend of mine — he's going to make some weird thing. If you've seen Rian's work, you know it's not going be like anything that's ever been in Star Wars." OK. Maybe that doesn't help. Because as much as fans respect and trust Kasdan and Isaac's opinions, everything they're saying doesn't exactly have me wiping my forehead in relief.

But here is why I believe that Isaac's comments about Episode VIII feeling more like an independent film are actually amazing: Star Wars: Episode VIII is now practically guaranteed to be getting more personal. Plus, it sure sounds like there's a chance that this next chapter will include a whole lot more Poe Dameron. While diving into new territory for Star Wars can be a tricky task to undertake, it can also be a complete blessing. With Rey getting trained by Luke in the power of the Force, and Poe Dameron being included more, there could be character relationships, new planets to visit, and even all new technology on its way that's even better than we first imagined.

There's no fear on set and no chances that this director will be holding back when it comes to giving us the ultimate intergalactic experience. Fans can officially rest easy.

Images: Lucasfilm/Walt Disney Pictures; Giphy (2)