Star Wars: Episode VII Rumors: J.J. Abrams Reveals Details; Filming to Start January 2014
ByJ.J. Abrams must have taken it upon himself to revive fan boy fiction from the 60s-early 90s.
Just after the release of "Star Trek: Into Darkness," the sequel to 2009's "Star Trek," he's revealed production details about "Star Wars Episode VII" at a film producers' conference in Los Angeles Saturday.
Abrams was tabbed as the director of the new trilogy after Disney bought LucasFilm, the company owned by Star Wars creator George Lucas. The new "Star Wars" director confirmed that he would keep the production tradition alive.
"We are, most likely, if all goes as planned, going to be moving to London at the end of the year for the 'Star Wars' movie," Abrams said about reluctantly moving his family. "It is so massive and so important to people. I think the key to moving forward on something like this is honoring but not revering what came before."
The Hollywood Reporter said Abrams filmed both Star Trek films in Los Angeles so he did not have to move his family.
The film's plot will likely take place as far as 40 years past the end of "Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi," with the focus being on rebuilding the Republic. Abrams did not disclose any details other than the screenplay being written by "Toy Story 3" and "Hunger Games: Catching Fire" writer Michael Arndt, with Lucas serving as a creative consultant.
"Star Wars Episode VII" will feature original trilogy cast members Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Carrie Fisher as "Princess Leia," Harrison Ford as "Han Solo" and Billy Dee Williams as "Lando Calrissian." It's unknown what roles these characters will play in the new trilogy.
Abrams said in the conference that filming would start in January 2014, but no cast members other than the four aforementioned have been announced.
"Episode VII" is slated for release in the Summer of 2015.
WATCH Harrison Ford deflect Star Wars questions in an April appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live."