Rian Johnson's "Star Wars: Episode VIII" has officially begun production, and Lucasfilm is marking the occassion with a quick tease of Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker.

As all who saw J.J. Abrams' "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" - which, based on the box office results, was everyone - knows, Luke only appeared at the conclusion of the film. In total, he probably didn't have more than 30 seconds of screen time. That's bound to change in the sequel, as Daisy Ridley's Rey has come with his old lightsaber to learn the ways of the Force.

Aside from one or two minor characters, the entire cast of "The Force Awakens" will be back for "Episode VIII," and they vill be joined by a few new faces. Benicio Del Toro was cast last year in a mystery role, and he will be joined by two-time Academy Award nominee Laura Dern and newcomer Kelly Marie Tran.

In an attempt to dominate the annual Christmas box office, Disney and Lucasfilm have pushed "Episode VIII" back form May to December of 2017. Next up you can see the first "Star Wars Anthology film, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," on Dec. 16, 2016.

Watch the production announcement video below: