'Star Wars: Episode VIII' release date, cast news: John Williams being linked to movie's score

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" has successfully revived the franchise, earning it over $2 billion worldwide, and a sequel, the untitled "Star Wars: Episode VIII," is in production under the direction of Rian Johnson. According to a new report from Making Star Wars, it is possible that the film will still have John Williams composing its score.

Williams has scored some of the most iconic film soundtracks, such as the "Star Wars Theme" and the "Imperial March" and has done the official score for "Jurassic Park," "Indiana Jones," the classic "Superman" theme and the theme for the "Harry Potter" franchise.

The composer did return for "The Force Awakens" and has finally given a vague response on whether he would be doing the score for the sequel or not, although it appears to be leaning toward the former more so than the latter.

"I told the producers I wasn't sure if I wanted to do the next one, but told them I didn't want anyone else doing it either," stated the composer.

As stated by Cinema Blend, the statement gives the impression that the composer wants to return and do the soundtrack for the film but his age is most likely the biggest obstacle going against this.

Williams already conceded to relinquishing the musical duties of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" to Alexandre Desplat, hinting that he may be willing to step down if his health no longer allows him to exert himself with work.

Many fans are not open to this idea and are hoping that Williams will at least stay on board to compose for "Star Wars: Episode VIII" and "Episode IX." This is speculated to be the likely route that Williams and Lucasfilm will go with, allowing other composers to handle the score for the spin-off films such as the upcoming "Han Solo" movie.

"Star Wars: Episode VIII" opens in theaters this Dec. 15, 2017.