On Thursday, Disney released a statement saying the release date for Star Wars Episode VIII will be pushed back from May 26^th, 2017 to December 15^th, 2017. The sequel to the record-shattering Star Wars: The Force Awakens was pushed back to give the studio and director Rian Johnson (Looper) more time. According to Hollywood Reporter, the decision came after Disney insiders witnessed the success of The Force Awakens during the Christmas and New Year season.

As of January 20, 2016, The Force Awakens has grossed $863.1 million in North America and $1.89 billion worldwide. The latter figure has earned it third on the all-time highest-grossing films list. It is currently chasing James Cameron’s two films: Avatar and Titanic.

            The release date has not only affected fans, but other movies as well. The move to December 2017 has Star Wars VIII on course for a head on collision with Avatar 2. Being released around the same time would be devastating for both science-fiction juggernauts, however neither appears willing to budge, for now.

However, no matter what day it is released on, fans will surely flock to movie theaters to see Star Wars Episode VIII.