Reports are continuously circulating that filming is to continue on Kerry's Skellig Michael for the upcoming Star Wars 8 but if rumours are to be believed, they're also headed up North to Malin Head.
According to the Derry Journal, scouts from LucasFilm were out and about Malin Head sussing out the scenery and were wholly impressed by what they saw. They are due to return to start filming on our northern pier in May with B&B's and guest houses all coincidentally booked out.
This news, of course, will be welcomed with open arms by Tourism Ireland. It was announced back in 2014 that Star Wars: The Force Awakens would be using Skellig Michael for location shooting. Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys fell under harsh criticism for giving the go-ahead but defended her decision by stating; "Those attempting to turn this into a negative story seem to be completely overlooking the fact that up to 180 people visit the island on any given day. In contrast, for the short duration of filming being proposed, peak activity levels will involve about 100 people, under strict supervision and with extensive ecological and biodiversity safeguards in place."
Whether the same resistance to filming on Malin Head will occur remains to be seen as there is no official statement from LucasFilm to confirm that it's definitely happening.
We will keep our eyes peeled and you posted!