Finally a piece of key information about 'Star Wars: Episode VII' has been released. The highly anticipated instalment of the beloved sci-fi franchise is close to getting production under way as Disney and LucasFilm announced Monday (March 17th) that filming will begin in May.

J.J. Abrams
J.J. Abrams will direct 'Episode VII'

It was also revealed that 'Episode: VII' will take place after the 1983 film, 'Episode VI: Return of the Jedi', which starred Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford).

According to the film's official website, 'Episode VII' "will star a trio of new young leads along with some very familiar faces."

It hasn't been confirmed if the franchise's original trio will reprise their roles, or who is expected to star as the "young leads," but there has been plenty of speculation.

'Girls' actor Adam Driver is reportedly playing the movie's star villain, but no further information has been released as of yet. However it is strongly believed among sources that the character will be in the vein of the franchise's legendary villain Darth Vader.

Adam Driver
Adam Driver is allegedly playing the movie's villian

Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o has also allegedly been in talks with the 'Episode VII's' director J.J. Abrams, but it is not yet known if she has joined the project.

Gary Oldman confirmed to receiving a call from director Abrams to discuss a possible role in the revived iconic sci-fi film series. "I'll believe it when I'm on the plane home. The deal isn't done, but yeah, they've inquired," he said at the time.

Zac Efrom also revealed he has held talks with the production team about possibly starring in the space epic. The 26 year-old told MTV News, "I just went and met with them. So I don't know. It would be cool. I love [the Star Wars movies], I love them, but. who knows?"

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Abrams has publically confirmed to have had discussions with Jesse Plemons, who is rumoured to have the lead, about a role in the film, although no additional information was released.

'Epsiode VII' is expected to begin shooting in May at "London's historic Pinewood Studios."

Jesse Plemons
It is heavily rumored that Jesse Plemons as landed a lead role