Star Wars: Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley wrap production on Episode VIII ahead of London convention

It won't be released until 15 December 2017 but it's safe to assume it will need a hell of a lot of editing and time in special effects before it's ready. Fortunately, for the crew members whose work starts right now behind-the-scenes, the cast of eagerly-anticipated sequel Star Wars: Episode VIII have already wrapped production, marking the occasion by taking to social media.

Mark Hamill, who reprises his role as Luke Skywalker in the upcoming movie, shared the news on Facebook, posting a video from the wrap party featuring a group of dancing Stormtroopers. (Star Wars fans living in the UK might recognise the performers Boogie Storm from this year's series of reality TV competition, Britain's Got Talent.)

The actor also shared a photograph of the venue, captioning the snap: "Saying goodbye is hard when you've had the time of your life. I can't thank the cast and crew enough, I couldn't have done it without you. Loads of love, mh #StarWars #EpVIII#WrapParty : @chelseahamill"

Meanwhile, Daisy Ridley, who plays protagonist Rey, shared an image of her character holding up Luke's light saber alongside the caption: "And that is a wrap on Star Wars Episode VIII. My heart is brimming. #reyout"

Earlier this week, John Boyega also posted about finishing the movie, sharing a photograph of himself on Instagram and penning a touching message that read: "At home buzz before the wrap party! Another chapter done. Although this is the second time it still feels surreal being involved in such a life changing project. As I go onto other movies I take with me great memories! P.S. To everyone that has supported me since attack the block I thank you for encouraging me! This new life is tricky to take in but it's always nice to have people route for you. LOVE!"

Around three days before he uploaded that, he shared an image of himself jumping in the air alongside the caption, "Done!" so it's likely that he finished filming a little earlier than Hamill and Ridley.

It appears as if the production wrapped for Star Wars: Episode VIII happened right on time too, as many of the cast will be swapping Pinewood Studios for the ExCeL London Exhibition Centre in London to join in with Star Wars Celebration; a huge convention event honouring the entire franchise that began on Friday (15 July). News stories have already started emerging from the Celebration, such as Hamill confessing that he wished Luke would have had a much more dramatic introduction when it came to previous instalment, The Force Awakens.

The 64-year-old detailed how he'd imagined his comeback and it would have come towards the end of the movie when Luke's old light saber had been knocked out of Finn's hands during a battle with baddie Kylo Ren. In the movie, Ren tries desperately to use the Force to bring the weapon back to him but of course, it ends up zooming to Rey. However, Hamill reckons it should have been his character who it came to at the moment.

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