'Star Wars Episode VIII' RUMORS: Will Ewan McGregor Return As Obi-Wan Kenobi?

Star Wars: The Force Awakens has been a complete success for Disney and Lucasfilm, but now fans are looking forward to the eighth installment of the Star Wars movie franchise. There have already been several speculations about ''Star Wars Episode VIII,'' from the possibility of adding two new female leads to a larger role for Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker. However, the latest rumor involves a character who has long been killed off in A New Hope. Will Ewan McGregor reprise his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Episode VIII?

The new rumor was reported by ScreenRant, who came across a tweet from Schmoes Know's Kristian Harloff. The post warned that the rumor should not immediately be taken seriously, but announces that the Trainspotting star could be in negotiations to appear as a "Force ghost."

Grain of salt: hearing that Ewan Mcgregor in talks to play Obi Force ghost in Episode 8.

— KristianHarloff (@KristianHarloff) February 8, 2016

It isn't unusual for Jedi ghosts to pop up in Star Wars films. The late Alec Guinness's Ben Kenobi managed to guide Luke to the right path in the original trilogy. At the conclusion of Return of the Jedi, Obi-Wan and Yoda are seen by Luke (the young Anakin Skywalker was also added in the remastered edition). The Force ghost of Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) has also appeared to Obi-Wan in the prequels.

But why is there a need for an Obi-Wan Force ghost? There are speculations that the Jedi Master will continue to help Luke as he trains Rey (Daisy Ridley) in Ach-to. It is also possible that the ghost will reach out to the young Jedi, who has previously heard Obi-Wan's voice in The Force Awakens.

It is unknown where the Obi-Wan Force ghost rumor came from, so as advised from the tweet, it is best to take the information with a grain of salt.

''Star Wars Episode VIII'' will be directed by Rian Johnson and is scheduled for release on December 15, 2017.