"Star Wars: Episode VII," the latest in the George Lucas sci-fi saga, is scheduled to open Dec. 18, 2015 -- the first time in the franchise's history that the release won't be released in the summer.
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"We're very excited to share the official 2015 release date for Star Wars: Episode VII, where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture," said Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios.
The movie will be directed by J.J. Abrams and written by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan. Abrams and Kasdan took over the script after screenwriter Michael Arndt exited the project.
Shooting is scheduled to begin spring 2014 at Pinewood Studios.
In a related story, the online service Cast It Talent says it will hold an open casting call for the movie in Austin on Nov. 22 -- part of a nationwide search for two leading roles, a 17-year-old named Rachel and a male named Thomas.
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