This has been floating around the web for a little while, with even John Boyega saying he'd start filming today while accepting his Rising Star Award from BAFTA. So, spoiler: Finn survives his injuries long enough to be in Episode VIII.

There have been some other interesting cast announcements, including confirmation of two new cast members: Benicio del Toro and Laura Dern. Personally I'm hoping for Luke to give Dr. Ellie Sattler a chaos theory explanation, but maybe I'll have to settle for another speech about the Force.

Benicio del Toro has long been rumoured and linked to a starring role, but there have been some questions as to whether or not he'll be playing a villain or not but historically speaking, it's probably a good bet.

With this news, and all the news that Rogue One has finished filming and indications that it will be getting the same fanfare roll out as Episode VII did, including its own Force Friday toy event. I think it's safe to say we're officially smack dab in the middle of the most exciting time in Star Wars fandom history.