Rumor: Yoda actor Frank Oz reports for duty on the set of Star Wars 8

With production on Star Wars: Episode VIII in full swing, we're starting to get a few snippets of intel on who might be returning to a galaxy far, far away. That cheeky snap posted by director Rian Johnson a few days ago hinted at the appearance of The Force Awakens' Maz Kanata, and today's news points toward an even bigger name set to join the ranks: the pint-sized Jedi himself, Yoda.

This piece of news hails from Making Star Wars, who report that Frank Oz - who operated the Yoda puppet and voiced the character - is in the UK where Episode 8 is currently shooting. Through the site's "various channels" they've learned that Oz is in the country to work (he's not taking a leisurely sight-seeing trip) and is spending time at Pinewood Studios. Yes, that's where the movie is filming.

Before you get your hopes up, it's important to note that this is still a rumor. There's a chance that Oz is simply on hand to work as a consultant - possibly for another alien character - or it could be to revive Yoda in his ghostly form. That would certainly line up with Rey's journey if she continues to harness the Force. And we did hear Yoda's voice in the last one, so it would be the next logical step for us to see him in Episode VIII. Here's hoping.

Directed by Rian Johnson and starring Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Laura Dern, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Lupita Nyong'o, Gwendoline Christie, and Benicio del Toro, Star Wars: Episode 8 opens on December 15, 2017.

Images: Disney/LucasFilm