PA Photo/Lucasfilm Ltd.

The Derry Journal understands that film location scouts from Lucasfilm recently visited the area and are expected to return in May for filming.

Episode VII: The Force Awakens, the world’s highest grossing movie, was filmed in part on the Kerry island of Skellig Michael. The cast and crew are currently filming the first scenes of ‘Episode VIII’ in Kerry.

They are expected to film in Malin Head in May for around a month. A number of B&Bs and vacant houses in Malin Head and the surrounding area have been completely booked out for a number of weeks in late April and throughout May. It is understood some initial works at Malin Head have already got underway in preparation for filming.