Star Wars VII cast is revealed

We’ve finally got some solid word on who’s going to be appearing in the flesh (or in the mechanical suit) in Star Wars VII. After months upon months of rumours, lies and sobbing quietly in the dark under our Empire Strikes Back duvet covers, it’s been confirmed that original stars Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill will indeed be returning for the seventh film.

“We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII,” said director J. J. Abrams. ‘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.”

Erstwhile sidekicks Anthony Daniels (C3PO), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Kenny Baker (R2-D2) are also preparing to take to the screen again.

Joining the dream team will be Andy Serkis (actor, director and Gollum extraordinaire), and Max von Sydow (that’s right, the guy from The Exorcist), both of whom are pretty exciting additions to the Star Wars canon. Relatively newer faces include Brits Daisy Ridley and John Boyega (Attack the Block).

Also cropping up will be Inside Llewyn Davis star Oscar Isaac, who is reportedly going to have a pretty crucial role, plus Adam Driver (Girls) who is rumoured to be taking on the duties of the main antagonist.

Production on the film gets going in the UK next month, and we can expect a release in December next year.