Original Star Wars cast members return for Episode 7

The team behind the upcoming Star Wars film have confirmed that some of the key cast from the original trilogy are to return to the franchise.

Director JJ Abrams at a script read-through with the cast

The director JJ Abrams has confirmed that Mark Hamill, who starred as the young jedi Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford, who played the smuggler Han Solo, and Carrie Fisher, who was the love interest Princess Leia, will all be among the cast for Episode Seven, which begins shooting at Pinewood next month and is scheduled for release in December next year.

Abrams has not yet confirmed whether the stars will be returning in their iconic roles.

Other actors from the first set of films, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker – who played C3PO, Chewbacca and R2D2 respectively – will also feature in the new film.

A number of new actors will be joining the Star Wars family, including the young British actor John Boyega (Attack the Block), the rising Hollywood star Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis), Adam Driver (Tracks), Domhnall Gleeson (About Time), Daisy Ridley (TV’s Mr Selfridge), Andy Serkis (The Hobbit, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Wild Bill) and the screen veteran Max von Sydow.