Star Wars Episode VII To Feature Original Cast! Official Announcement!

After months of rumors and speculation, Disney made it official today by announcing that the original Star Wars cast will be returning for Star Wars Episode VII, along with a host of new stars. Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film. Director J.J. Abrams says, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud." Mark Hamill will be reprising his role as Luke Skywalker, Carrie Fisher will be reprising her role as Princess Leia, and Harrison Ford will be reprising his role as Han Solo. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford previously appeared in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi. Star Wars Episodes IV through VI were released before Star Wars Episodes I through III. The first three Star Wars movies were released from 1977 through 1983, followed by a second set of three Star Wars movies from 1999 to 2005. In October 2012, The Walt Disney Company announced the $4.05 billion acquisition of Lucasfilm, which included ownership of the Star Wars franchise. Disney has a number of plans for the Star Wars franchise involving films, TV series, and amusement parks. On the film side, Disney plans to release a new Star Wars Episode every two years, starting in 2015. Disney is also planning to release standalone Star Wars films highlighting specific characters from the Star Wars universe in addition to the Episode films. Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.