Given the level of secrecy around the new Star Wars – still only officially referred to as** Episode VII** – you’d be forgiven for thinking that J. J. Abrams and co were planning to hold on to everything about the movie until the day it arrives in cinemas. But now, like the ambassador from the old Ferrero Rocher adverts, they are truly spoiling us, announcing that the film will be set 30 years after the events of Return Of The Jedi and is set to kick off filming in May.
Admittedly, it’s not a lot of info, but based on what has been officially announced so far, it’s practically Abrams standing on top of Pinewood Studios and hollering details into a megaphone. And yes, the shoot date merely confirms what had already been reported. But as for that setting? Well, that also makes sense given that we know the movie will follow new young heroes – the new press release references “a trio of new young leads alongside some very familiar faces” – and catch up with an older Han, Luke and Leia. Of course, nothing else has been revealed just yet as Abrams goes through a lengthy casting trawl to find the perfect new faces to star alongside our old friends.
So there you have it – add in the December 18, 2015 release date less-than-shocking reveal that R2-D2 will still be trundling around and you have pretty much everything that is officially known about Episode VII so far. Drink it in. Let it wash over you... All right, you’re done. It looks weird now.