'Star Wars: Episode VIII' May Introduce Executioner Stormtroopers

In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, not only did we get updated versions of the original Stormtroopers from the first Star Wars trilogy, but we got to see all-new First Order troops like Captain Phasma, the Flametroopers, and FN-2199, the bold trooper better known as TR-8R (seen above challenging Finn off-screen) with a weapon that can go toe-to-toe with a lightsaber. Well, it should come as no surprise that there be a new Stormtrooper in Star Wars: Episode VIII, and while he shares some similarities with another trooper, he has a weapon much different from the other troopers.

Find out about the Star Wars Episode VIII new Stormtrooper after the jump.

MakingStarWars.net has a rumor from an inside source that there is a Stormtrooper being referred to as The Executioner (as well as other slight variations on set). He doesn't look remarkably different from the regular First Order Stormtroopers, but he does have a few fundamental differences, such as a matte black line taking up half of his helmet. But that's not the only thing that sets him apart from the rest of the pack.

The Executioner reportedly has a weapon similar to the one wielded by FN-2199 (seen above), but on the business end of the weapon, instead of the electrified baton, there are three spinning blades. They're described as being similar to the blades that come out of the spheres in the Phantasm franchise. Here's what they look like if you've never seen any of those movies:

Considering Captain Phasma's chrome armor and name was inspired by the spheres in Phantasm, I'm surprised that they didn't give her this weapon. But it sounds like Finn will get an Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom-esque moment where he encounters The Executioner on his own, just like FN-2199, but this time there's no Han Solo to step in and blast him away.

MakingStarWars had someone put together a sketch based on the description if you need a visual model, so head over there to check that out. We're not sure if this particular Stormtrooper is just one special soldier or if there's a whole unit of these troopers. After all, even though FN-2199 was a standout soldier, there was an entire contingent of riot control troopers with that electric baton and shield.

In addition to The Executioner, there will be some subtle changes to the regular Stormtroopers. There have been some subtle differences between Stormtroopers from movie to movie in the original trilogy, and it appears that tradition will carry over to the new trilogy as well. Apparently, one noticeable difference will be that the helmet mouthpiece will be more similar to the one from the original trilogy. Plus, the Imperial Royal Guards and Imperial Gunners have been given a makeover in Star Wars: Episode VIII too, which you can read more about over at MakingStarWars.