Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a recorded work.
Star Wars : The Last Jedi ( also known as Star Wars : Episode VIII -- The Last Jedi ) is an upcoming American epic space opera film written and directed by Rian Johnson . It is the second film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy , following Star Wars : The Force Awakens ( 2015 ) . Scenes that required shooting at Skellig Michael in Ireland were filmed during pre-production in September 2015 , with principal photography beginning at Pinewood Studios in England in February 2016 and ending in July 2016 .