'Star Wars: Episode VII' to include original stars of franchise

Harrison Ford will reprise his role as Han Solo in the new Star Wars movie. He will be joined by original 1977 cast members Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia). (Photo: Getty Images)



LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- The next "Star Wars" cast will include originals Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher reprising their 1977 roles.

"Star Wars: Episode VII" will pick up three decades after the "Return of the Jedi" episode's story with the same actors who played Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia, according to Disney, which bought Lucasfilm and its Star Wars film franchise two years ago.

Peter Meyhew will be in Chewbacca's Wookiee suit for a fifth film, while Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker return as robots C-3PO and R2-D2 respectively, the Disney announcement said.



"We are so excited to finally share the cast of 'Star Wars: Episode VII,' " director J.J. Abrams said. "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."

New actors to the "Star Wars" franchise include John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow, the announcement said.

Composer John Williams, who has written scores for all six "Star Wars" films, will also create the music for the newest. The movie is scheduled to open around the world on December 18, 2015.

 

 

New cast of the 'Star Wars' movie meets.