Star Wars Episode VII gets 2015 release date

(UPI) -- The Jedi are returning, and now we know when.

Walt Disney Studios announced Thursday the next Star Wars, Episode VII, will be released Dec. 18, 2015.

"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 Walt Disney Studios, which bought Star Wars' studio Lucasfilm in 2012.

The film will be directed by J.J. Abrams, who most recently tackled the other legendary space franchise, Star Trek, and scripted by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan, who worked on The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

The studio is holding an open casting call for a young man, 19 to 23 years old, and a young woman, 17 to 18 years old.

"Rachel" was:

quite young when she lost her parents. With no other family, she was forced to maker her way alone in a tough, dangerous town. Now 17 she has become street smart and strong. She is able to take care of herself using humor and guts to get by.

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Always a survivor, never a victim, she remains hopeful that she can move away from this harsh existence to a better life. She is always thinking of what she can do to move ahead.

and "Thomas" has:

grown up without a father's influence. Without the model of being a man, he doesn't have the strongest sense of himself. Despite this, he is smart, capable and shows courage when it is needed. He can appreciate the absurdities in life and understands you can't take life too seriously.