Disney has announced that "Star Wars: Episode VII" will be released on Decemeber 18, 2015.
The official "Star Wars" website announced the news after mass speculation suggested the film would most likely be released in May 2015. Chairman of Walt Disney Alan Horn stated, "We're very excited to share the official 2015 release date for 'Star Wars: Episode VII,' where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture."
The news comes after various sources stated that the film was having production problems and would most likely be delayed until 2016. The news also stated that the film would start shooting in the spring, which suggests that casting announcements may not begin until next year.
Currently, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill are rumored to reprise their roles from the original trilogy. Additionally it is rumored that Saoirse Ronan ("Atonement"), Benedict Cumberbatch ("12 Years A Slave"), and Chiwetel Ejiofor ("12 Years A Slave") may also join the cast.
The film is currently in pre-production with J.J Abrams directing the film and co-writing the script with Lawrence Kasdan. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy ("Lincoln"), Abrams, and Bryan Burk will produce the film with with Tommy Harper ("Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," "Jack Ryan," "Star Trek Into Darkness"). Meanwhile, Jason McGatlin ("The Adventures of Tintin" "War of the Worlds") will serve as executive producer and John Williams will returning to score "Star Wars: Episode VII."
"Star Wars: Episode VII" is slated to shoot at the Pinewood Studios in the U.K.