If latest reports are to be believed, Benicio Del Toro has been offered to portray the character of the new villain in upcoming sci-fi movie, 'Star Wars: Episode VIII.' However, the producers are yet to make an official announcement regarding the casting for the movie.

According to Christian Today, quoting sources familiar with the casting of the movie, The Wrap reported that Del Toro has been offered the role of the villain in the movie. They said that while negotiations are still in progress, no contract has been signed yet.

Earlier, Del Toro has starred in hit movies like the 1995 'The Usual Suspects' in addition to the 2000 movies 'Traffic' and 'Snatch.' He also portrayed the character of the Collector in Disney's 'Guardians of the Galaxy.'

The website further reported that Del Toro will be a "strong fit" in the 'Star Wars' franchise as a villain, since the actor is capable of "conjuring menace on a whim." Meanwhile, Justin Kroll wrote in Variety that the earlier Del Toro was considered portray the character of the villain in 'Star Trek: Into Darkness,' but eventually he did not get that role. However, the report did confirm that Del Toro is currently in talks to play a yet to be named character in 'Star Wars: Episode VIII.'

According to latest reports, studio executives met with Joaquin Phoenix for the same role. In addition, Donnie Yen is said to be considered for a different role in the movie. An earlier report in CinemaBlend claimed that the Chinese actor may possibly portray the character of a Jedi and will be traveling to London in August to commencing filming his scenes. However, the report is yet to be confirmed by the producers.

'Star Wars: Episode VIII' is scheduled for release on May 26, 2017 in the U.S. The movie will be directed by Rian Johnson, who has earlier directed TV shows like 'Breaking Bad' and Terries in addition to movies like 'Looper' and 'The Brothers Bloom.'