Lucasfilm and Disney have just launched their first non-saga film in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to outstanding results. As fun of a singular story it was, it being out in theaters currently means that Star Wars: Episode VIII is next up on the docket. Even with it being just under a year away, anticipation for the film is high as Star Wars fans around the world wait to see what happens with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Rey (Daisy Ridley) upon their encounter. Rey was able to find the secluded Jedi on Ahch-To in Episode VII - The Force Awakens (after R2-D2 and BB-8 completed the map leading to him), and immediately offered him back his lightsaber upon finding him.

The ending to Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens left audiences wanting to see what's next, but they should have the chance to see it come Episode VIII. While it appeared as though Luke was completely alone on the island before Rey arrived, a new rumor suggests that is not the case and audiences will get to see Luke's animal friends next year.

Making Star Wars is reporting that Episode VIII will reveal two different creatures that have befriended Luke during his stay on Ahch-To and permitted him to remain there. The first is described as a combination between a puffin bird and a Furby or Gremlin mixed with Star Wars. The bird like creatures will have razor sharp teeth and see themselves as "the protector of the island(s) on Ahch-To." These are the ones that will actually be featured alongside Luke, but it will be Rey that encounters and battles a "rather large sea monster" in an effort to prove she is worthy to stay on the island.

Daisy Ridley as Rey in Star Wars Episode VIII

While these are new details regarding the movie, it should not come as a surprise that a Star Wars movie continues to introduce new ideas into the universe. The puffin-like creatures have an interesting design by these descriptions, making them sound more terrifying than like family friendly creatures with the potential to be turned into toys. The report points to them being 15 inch tall puppets as well, which should only further make their usage something to look out for.

New creatures are fun, but it will likely be Rey battling a sea monster that gets fans more excited. This should be a chance for Rey to show off more of her force abilities that not only prove to the other creatures that she is worthy of staying on the island, but also showing Luke the potential that she has. It would be rather surprising for her to lose this battle, and her victory could go a long way in convincing Luke to train her in the ways of Jedi.

Hopefully, these are not the only new creations that will be featured in Episode VIII - as the film can continue to expand the Star Wars universe in other ways, too. However, these elements (if real) sound like good starting points and fit with some of the other rumors currently circling around the film (see also: Snoke being a practical effect). Expect many more rumors from Episode VIII to pop up over the course of the year ahead, too.

NEXT: Is Rey a Kenobi?

Source: Making Star Wars

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