It's been almost a decade since the last major Star Wars film came to the big screen with Episode III: Revenge of the Sith premiering in 2005. Of course, some wish it never did, with the poorly written and acted prequel trilogy raising the ire of most fans and failing to live up to the impossibly high expectations set by the original trilogy. A new film installment was announced a year ago with J.J. Abrams directing, but other details have been scarce until now.
Official details about the upcoming Episode VII have been revealed today by Disney (who bought the movie rights for $4bn) and Lucasfilm regarding the plot and filming plans, which will begin in full this May. Episode VII will take place 30 years after Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, and features new and returning actors. Here's the official statement:
"Disney and Lucasfilm are excited to announce that principal photography on Star Wars: Episode VII, directed by J.J. Abrams, will commence May 2014, and will be based at London's historic Pinewood Studios.
This will be the first Star Wars film to start shooting in the month of May. Lucasfilm has documented the first day of principal photography for every installment of the Star Wars saga.
It has also been confirmed that Star Wars: Episode VII is set about 30 years after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, and will star a trio of new young leads along with some very familiar faces. No further details on casting or plot are available at this time.
Star Wars: Episode VII will release in theaters on December 18, 2015."
This is very exciting for big Star Wars fans like me, though I think everyone remains cautiously optimistic after the prequel trilogy. The new films looked flashy with a lot of CGI the original trilogy was not capable of having been made in the 1970's and 80's, but were very cheesy and poorly done at parts, especially as the story reached its climax in Episode III. The prequel trilogy were the only Star Wars films directed by creator George Lucas, and are now moving into the capable hands of J.J. Abrams, who has made some good movies. May the force be with you, J.J.
