‘Star Wars Episode VII’ Begins Filming, First Photo Shared By J.J. Abrams
Star Wars Episode VII has officially began filming and the proof is in a photo shared by director J.J. Abrams’ production company, Bad Robot on Twitter very early Friday morning.
The much anticipated production is being shot on location in London’s Pinewood Studios and also in Abu Dhabi. After the equally awaited official cast announcement was made early this month, things are finally moving along.
Now, there is not much to get excited about with this new photo (generously shared by Abrams), but it marks the beginning of what fans of Star Wars Episode VII have been waiting for, for a long, long time.
So here it is. It’s a go for the first Star Wars movie in over 10 years shared by Abrams with the simple hashtag #dayone:
#dayone pic.twitter.com/18jtSH7xYM
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) May 16, 2014
So there's confirmation that they are indeed shooting today @PinewoodStudios http://t.co/IcVWPJDm5O pic.twitter.com/0IIeIs5p4m
— HeyUGuys Movie News (@HeyUGuys) May 16, 2014
Interestingly, even though Star Wars Episode VII will be the first in the movie series not to be released in May, filming is starting in this month, to keep the significance of the time of year.
A mix of veterans and newcomers make up the cast Abrams and Disney chose for this new part of the saga, with originals Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) returning to reprise their roles, as older versions of those in the first trilogy.
The rest of the Star Wars Episode VII cast includes: Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis), Adam Driver (Girls), John Boyega (Attack the Block), Andy Serkis (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), Domhnall Gleeson (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), Max von Sydow (The Exorcist, Ghostbusters), along with British unknown Daisy Ridley. Also returning are Anthony Daniels (C3PO), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Kenny Baker (R2 D2).
According to reports, Abrams is still seeking another young female for a lead role.
The plot of Star Wars Episode VII takes place 30 years from the events that concluded in Return Of The Jedi (about the same time that has passed since A New Hope). Rumors suggest that they will focus on the offspring of Han Solo and Princess Leia, reportedly played by Oscar Isaac, who turns to the Dark Side, following in Darth Vader’s footsteps.
Harrison Ford is said to have a prevalent role in Star Wars Episode VII and some experts believe this could be his last appearance in the saga. Luke and Leia may have similar fates, as obviously they are all getting up there in age.
Meanwhile on Twitter, fans and critics seem to be equally excited to see Star Wars Episode VII take off and are looking forward to following all the developments on social media, a first for the franchise as well.
For the latest news on Star Wars Episode VII follow @badrobot, @StarWars, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill on Twitter.
[Image via Bad Robot/Twitter]
