Disney's 'Star Wars' to Take Place 30 Years After 'Return of the Jedi;' Lupita Nyong'o Rumored to Appear
by Shannon Keirnan
Details surrounding the new "Star Wars" installment have been kept pretty hush-hush, but two things have been confirmed:
First: that "Star Wars: Episode VII" will take place three decades after "Return of the Jedi."
Two: that fans of the original trilogy will recognize at least one "face." R2-D2 is set to return!
Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke Tuesday regarding the film, which is set to begin shooting in May, and promises audiences will enjoy "some very familiar faces along with a trio of new, young leads."
J.J. Abrams is directing, with an anticipated release of December 2015. A new "Star Wars" film will be released every year after, alternating with spinoff films featuring characters from within the "Star Wars" universe.
Casting rumors abound, although only R2-D2's appearance has been confirmed by the studio. Lupita Nyong'o is the latest buzz. The "12 Years a Slave" Oscar winner reportedly met with Abrams for the part of the female lead.
Reports also hint that Jesse Plemons ("Breaking Bad"), Ed Speelers ("Downton Abbey") and John Boyega ("Attack the Block") are in talks to appear, and "Girls" actor Adam Driver in final negotiation for the role of villain.
However take it all with a grain of salt. Iger reminds us, "Rumor has it that almost every actor in the world has been cast in this movie, but so far, the official cast member we've confirmed, the only one, is R2-D2. Played by R2-D2."