Star Wars fans can officially get excited about the film franchise's upcoming Episode VII with news of the project's start date and cast.
Movie bosses posted an update on the official Star Wars Twitter feed on Tuesday, revealing shooting for the new flick will begin in May.
"#StarWarsVII begins filming in May! Set 30 years after RoTJ (Return of the Jedi), the film will feature new stars & familiar faces," the tweet said.
Media reports suggest Carrie Fisher will be back as Princess Leia, but it's still unclear if her Star Wars co-stars Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill will join her for director JJ Abrams' sci-fi blockbuster.
Meanwhile, Variety has confirmed that Girls star Adam Driver has been cast as the lead villain in the new Star Wars movie.
Jesse Plemons, John Boyega, Ed Speleers and Matthews James Thomas have been linked to lead roles in the project and Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o, Saoirse Ronan and Michael B Jordan have all met with Abrams to discuss parts.
