And it's a go! Disney and LucasFilm announced Monday, March 17, that the J.J. Abrams-directed Star Wars: Episode VII will start shooting in May.
The first of three brand new, highly-anticipated Star Wars installments will be set 30 years after Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. (The 1983 sci-fi flick starred Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia and Harrison Ford as Han Solo.)
According to the official website, Episode VII will "star a trio of new young leads along with some very familiar faces." Per Reuters, Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger divulged no casting details to shareholders in the company's annual meeting on Tuesday, March 18, other than announcing the return of beloved robot R2D2 in the new installment.
No further plot details were made available to eager fans, but those willing to make the trek across the pond may catch a lucky sneak peek of what's to come. Filming for the movie will be based at the historic Pinewood Studios in London.
Along with directing, Abrams, who's responsible for the sexy reboot of Star Trek, has also co-written the screenplay.
Star Wars: Episode VII will hit theaters on Dec. 18, 2015.
