Jj Abrams is re-creating the desert planet Tatooine from the original trilogy for Star Wars: Episode VII. Scenes will be shot in what is being described as a "Morocco-like environment," according to the Hollywood Reporter.

JJ AbramsJJ Abrams Is Helming Star Wars Episode VII

 

The original Tatooine was filmed in Southern Tunisia, with the Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata doubling as Luke and Anakin Skywalker's home.

Abrams has already signalled his intention to eschew the CGI-generated evironments seen in the derided prequel series of movies, in favour of real sets. The new movies from Disney and LucasFilm are likely to centre on the trio of Luke, Princess Leia and Han Solo - played by Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford - though a smattering of new characters are said to be played by Adam Driver, Gary Oldman and Jesse Plemons. Han's sidekick Chewbacca is heavily tipped to be involved, with Peter Mayhew reprising the role.

In other Star Wars news, it is being reported that unknown British actress and Oxford-graduate Maisie Richardson-Sellers is being tipped for a major role in Episode 7. The Hollywood Reporter say she is in line to play a mixed-race descendant of Jedi Knight Obi Wan Kenobe.

Filming on Star Wars Episode VII is already underway at Pinewood Studios in London, with a release date set for December 20, 2015. Disney is overseeing a new series of films after buying all rights to the long-running saga for $4.05bn in October 2012. 

More: Who is Maisie Richardson-Sellers?

More: Peter Mayhew heads to Pinewood to shoot Star Wars Episode VII

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