As early as now, negotiations for the cast of "Star Wars Episode VIII" has purportedly begun, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

This may seem a bit early especially since "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will be shown five months from now. But with a big production, Lucasfilm and Disney may not take any chances.

The top pick for "Star Wars Episode VIII" villain? Benicio Del Toro, reportedly.

Benicio Del Toro has already appeared in a cameo role as the collector in "Guardians of the Galaxy," produced by Disney and by Lucasfilm's sister company, Marvel Studios.

"Del Toro is said to have an offer, although whether a deal can be made remains unclear," The Hollywood Reporter wrote.

"Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and John Boyega are expected to return for the movie, as are certain legacy actors (Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill)."

Mirror recounted Benicio Del Toro's impressive acting credentials.

"Del Toro won an Oscar for best supporting actor in 2001 for his role as a drug enforcement officer in Steven Soderbegh's crime drama, Traffic," Mark Jefferies wrote in his article at the news website.

"He was nominated again in 2004 for 21 Grams, and went on to portray Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara in a two-part, four-hour biopic that premiered in Cannes in 2008."

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Joaquin Phoenix was previously approached for the villain role, but it allegedly seems that no deal has been agreed upon, causing "Star Wars Episode VIII" producers to find another actor for the role.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will be released in December, while "Star Wars: Episode VIII" is scheduled to hit theaters on May 26, 2017.

"Star Wars: Episode VIII" is set to be directed by Rian Johnson, whose previous films include Brick and Looper according to BBC.