The cast of J.J. Abrams‘ Star Wars: Episode VII has been announced and it is a long list so let’s have a look.
First listed is Attack the Block star John Boyega followed by fellow newcomers to the Star Wars universe, Daisy Ridley (“Mr. Selfridge”), Adam Driver (“Girls”), Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis), Andy Serkis (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes), Domhnall Gleeson (About Time), Max von Sydow (The Seventh Seal). Returning stars include Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Anthony Daniels as C3-PO, Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca and Kenny Baker as R2-D2.
Abrams said in the announcement, which included the above picture of the cast during the first reading, “We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. 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.”
At this point I have to assume May 4th (aka “Star Wars Day”) just might reveal the film’s title or perhaps they’ll wait to Comic-Con in July, or Disney’s D23 in August for that announcement. We’ll see.
Personally, the casting of Max von Sydow is very exciting and I love seeing Boyega and Isaac as a part of the cast. Unfortunately details on what characters they will be playing was not revealed, but I’m sure they are going to take full advantage of the 20 months they have until this film hits theaters.
Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.
