Disney to release 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' in May 2017

People dressed up as characters from the Star Wars movies take part in a parade during a tourism event in the Star Wars movie set at Ong Jmal, in Nefta, Tunisia May 3, 2014. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi

(Reuters) - Walt Disney Co will release the eighth installment in the "Star Wars" sci-fi film series on May 26, 2017, Chief Executive Bob Iger said on Thursday. Iger, speaking at Disney's annual shareholder meeting, also announced that a spin-off from the franchise set for release in December 2016 will be called "Rogue One." (Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Leslie Adler)