Darth Vader in Star Wars
'Star Wars: Episode VII' will be released on December 18, 2015, Disney has confirmed.
Disney has announced the release date for its highly anticipated continuation of the classic space saga, marking the first time a 'Star Wars' movie hasn't opened in May.
Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a conference call on Thursday (07.11.13): "This, obviously, is one of the most important movies we have in the next few years, and we've chosen a date we believe will allow the creative team the time to make a great film."
The film's director, J.J. Abrams, was recently confirmed as a screenwriter on the project, in addition to Lawrence Kasdan. The duo will replace original screenwriter Michael Arndt.
Disney purchased the rights to 'Star Wars' from creator George Lucas for over $4 billion last year.
The legendary filmmaker is expected to serve as a consulting producer on the new movie.
It's thought producers will be holding open auditions for two key roles across the United Kingdom this week.
A casting notice posted on Twitter states producers are looking to fill the roles of a "street smart and beautiful" orphaned girl in her late teens and a "handsome, smart and athletic" man in his late teens or early 20s.
While it is unusual for a big blockbuster to hold open auditions for lead roles, the 'Star Wars' films are famed for handing little or unknown actors its main parts, including Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford.
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