Benicio del Toro is reportedly joining the cast of "Star Wars: Episode VIII" where he will join fellow Latino actor, Guatemalan-American Oscar Isaac, and further diversify the hugely popular franchise.

The Oscar-winning "Traffic" actor has the offer to play the villain in "Star Wars: Episode VIII," TheWrap reports. While talks are in the "very early stages," Disney and Lucasfilm are gunning for the star to come on board.

Variety reiterated that an agreement has not yet been struck between the studio and Del Toro, and added that among the other actors being considered for the part is Joaquin Phoenix.

Given Del Toro's ability to channel a sinister character at the drop of a dime, he's slated to be a perfect match for the sci-fi sequel. At the same time, multi-Oscar-nominated Phoenix has some impressive acting chops as well.

Director Rian Johnson is steering the ship for "Star Wars: Episode VIII," which is supposed to begin shooting early next year in advance of a May 26, 2017 release date. Ram Bergman and Lucasfilm's Kathy Kennedy are producing the film.

In addition to Isaac, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega will appear in "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" and will also have roles in the eighth installment in the series, according to Variety.

Del Toro already has ties with Disney as he played "a fun yet small role" as The Collector in Marvel's "Thor: The Dark World" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," The Wrap points out. Yet Del Toro has suggested that he may not return for the upcoming sequel due in 2017.

The multi-faceted actor was also reportedly considered for the part of the villain, Khan, in "Star Trek Into Darkness," but negotiations fell through. Del Toro will star opposite Emily Blunt in Denis Villeneuve's crime drama "Sicario," and Idris Elba in Harmony Korine's "The Trap."