We know when Star Wars: Episode VII takes place and when shooting will begin

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

I don’t care what anyone says but any STAR WARS: EPISODE VII news is welcome in my world. Any tidbit of official information gets us one step closer to seeing the new era of STAR WARS on the silver screen. But, with almost no offical word from Disney or Lucasfilm aside from J.J. Abrams as director and who is writing the film, we are stuck staring at our calendars for the release date next Christmas.

But, Disney CEO Bob Iger did give us a little bit to go on so I am going to bring this to you on a silver platter. It may barely qualify as an appetizer, but here you go. Along with the news that we will be getting a CARS 3 and THE INCREDIBLES 2 (with Brad Bird on board to script), Iger revealed that STAR WARS: EPISODE VII will be set 30 years after RETURN OF THE JEDI and will star “familiar faces and a trio of new young leads”. Take that for what it is, but that doesn’t quite sound like starring roles for Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, or Harrison Ford.

With the characters from the original trilogy expected to return, I am confused as to how much screen time they will get. There is always the possibility that they will have bigger roles in EPISODE VIII and IX, but STAR WARS: EPISODE VII will really set the tone for everything.

We should be hearing a lot more official news now that we know when the movie will begin filming. According to Star Wars.com, STAR WARS: EPISODE VII will begin shooting at Pinewood Studios in England this May. That means we are about a month away from an official press release that may include a full cast listing, synopsis, and maybe a title. Until then, speculate away.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII hits screens on December 18, 2015.