For fans of the sci-fi franchise, the force will have to wait a bit longer than expected. Disney announced today the next major sequel of Star Wars will make its debut on December 18, 2015. The film, to be directed by J.J. Abrams, was going to be released in theatres on the summer of 2015. Previous Star Wars films have been released in the month of May.
“We’re very excited to share the official 2015 release date for Star Wars: Episode VII, where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture,” said Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios.
Two more movies also will make their debut the same date as Episode VII: Dan Brown’s Inferno with Tom Hanks, and an adaptation of the World of Warcraft videogame.
Filming is expected to start on spring 2014 at Pinewood Studios.
[Source]: StarWars.com: Star Wars: Episode VII to Open December 18, 2015 [http://starwars.com/news/star-wars-episode-vii-to-open-december-18-2015.html]; Huffington Post: ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ Release Date Set For Dec. 18, 2015 [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/07/star-wars-episode-vii-release-date_n_4235600.html].