Star Wars Episode VII character, plot and shooting details revealed

After months of rumour-mongering, we finally have some official Star Wars: Episode VII news.

And while the specifics aren't entirely detailed, there's more than enough to whip movie fans into a fanboy/girl frenzy.

StarWars.com confirms that Episode VII will be set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi , will star a trio of new young leads along with 'some very familiar faces', and will commence production in May 2014.

So while we're still left to guess at who'll nab the three key leads ( Lupita N'Yongo and John Boyega are the most recent to be in the running for a role, while Adam Driver is apparently set to be the key villain), it's an interesting place to start - and the news that it's set 30 years after Return of the Jedi certainly leaves room for the original cast to return.

Star Wars: Episode VII will open in cinemas on 18 December 2015.