A new Star Wars film will come sooner than some might think. Director J.J. Abrams‘ upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII begins filming in May.
While there is no solid word on who will portray the new Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, or Leia Solo, Oscar-winning 12 Years A Slave actress Lupita Nyong’o is in talks to star in the franchise. There have also been murmurs of a role for Attack the Block actor John Boyega. If the two make the cut, they could be the first Black man and woman to have a leading role in the classic franchise.
Episode VII, which is currently slated to open in theaters Dec. 18, 2015, is set 30 years after the Rebellion took down the Galactic Empire and a second Death Star in Return of the Jedi. According to USA Today, the new film also will feature three new leads and familiar faces — Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill have been rumored to have roles in Episode VII.
So far, only R2D2 is confirmed for the 2015 film.