It’s official – Disney and Lucasfilm’s latest project, “Star Wars: Episode VII” will start filming in May, representatives from both companies announced on Tuesday.

At the helm of the new “Star Wars” film is J. J. Abrams, who also directed two “Star Trek” and “Mission: Impossible” movies. The plot, which is set three decades after the events of “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi”, will begin shooting at Pinewood Studios near London.

Not much has been revealed of his highly anticipated sci-fi franchise installment, but according to “Star Wars” official website, the film will feature “some familiar faces” and introduce three “new young leads”.

According to international news agency Reuters, Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that the character R2D2 will be making a comeback in the film. Rumors have been circulating that Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford would make an appearance in the movie, although Iger has yet to confirm any casting news. Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o is reportedly in talks to play a role in the new movie, while “Girls” actor Adam Driver is in the final negotiation stages to play the main villain, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The “Star Wars” franchise was created by George Lucas, who also directed several of the film installments. It is considered one of the most successful film franchises in terms of revenue and influence on pop culture. It consists of six films that have collectively earned more than $4.4 billion at the international box office since the first installment was released in 1977.

“Episode VII” will be the fifth “Star Wars” movie to be filmed in the United Kingdom. The original Star Wars trilogy was also filmed in the UK, specifically at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.

The release date for “Episode VII” is December 18, 2015. Apart from directing the movie, Abrams has also co-written the screenplay alongside Lawrence Kasdan.

STAR WARS EPISODE VII Rumors

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