There are a lot of opinions floating around about J.J. Abrams' upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII (which begins principal photography in May and takes place 30 years after 1983's Return of the Jedi), but whether you're excited or horrified (it can't be as bad as the prequels), you've probably been waiting pretty impatiently for the cast announcement ever since Disney revealed the new trilogy some 17 months ago. Lucky for you — and the entire galaxy — LucasFilm released a photo this morning of the new cast at a read-through at Pinewood Studios.
"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."
"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," says director J.J. Abrams.
Disney bought George Lucas' company LucasFilm for $4.05 billion in December 2012 after Lucas announced his retirement (he'll be sticking around as consultant on the new films). The flick is set for a December 18, 2015 worldwide release date, with the screenplay by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan. Abrams will also be producing, along with Kathleen Kennedy and Bryan Burk, while John Williams will be returning at the composer.
