Does Frank Oz Have a Part to Play in STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII?
It sounds like Frank Oz, the man behind Yoda in the Star Wars saga, will be in Rian Johnson's Star Wars: Episode VIII. The rumor comes from Making Star Wars, who says they've verified that the actor is in the UK and headed to Pinewood Studios to get in on some Episode VIII action.
There's no information on who he will be playing, but it makes us wonder if we are going to see Yoda return to the franchise in either a flashback scene or as a force ghost hanging around Rey, Finn, or Luke. The report goes on to speculate that Oz could be on the set as a consultant to help out with any puppeteer work that is being used in the movie, so there's a chance Yoda won't show up at all. The report breaks down the best case scenarios for Oz's involvement:
The best case scenario is Yoda is back and Oz is operating him. The second best scenario is that Oz is going to do the voice on set with the cast so he can interact with them and the reading has a genuine flow. The most probable scenario is he’s visiting as a consultant for something Yoda or not Yoda-related.
Regardless, Oz is an extremely talented individual and any involvement with the Star Wars franchise is a wonderfully welcome one.