Disney and Lucasfilm have confirmed that Star Wars: Episode 7 will begin shooting at Pinewood Studios in May and, crucially for fans, will be set 30 years after the events of 1983's Return of the Jedi, accordng to the Hollywood Reporter.

JJ AbramsJj Abrams Met With Lupita Nyongo Recently, About A Role in Star Wars Episode 7

Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger told Disney's annual shareholder's meeting in Portland, Oregon, that the film "will star a trio of new young leads along with some very familiar faces." 

We already know that 'Girls' actor Adam Driver is in talks to play the primary villain, while either Jesse Plemons, Ed Speelers or John Boyega will play the lead actor - probably a young Jedi. We also know that Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o met with J.J Abrams a couple of weeks ago, most likely to discuss one of the prominent supporting roles.

More: the five actors battling for the lead in Star Wars Episode 7.

However, the casting for Star Wars Episode VII - set for release on December 18, 2015 - has been shrouded in secrecy for over a year. Bolger's remarks suggests Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill will play some part in the movie though it's becoming more likely that that will be fleeting cameos.

The Star Wars message boards sprang into action following the announcement, though not everyone was convinced with the possibility of a large new cast.

Adam DriverAdam Driver is Likely To Play The Primary Villain in Star Wars

One user writing on The Force.net message board said: "I think the ideal scenario would be the central character being one of the new leads (their story), with Luke and Han in the Qui-Gon/Old Ben Kenobi role... with the 2 other new leads and Leia in more supporting roles a la Obi-Wan in TPM. I defo think there's a big risk juggling so many characters (and we've not even started on the villains yet), so it's a given that some will have to be reduced to lesser roles). I think it's possible to do it successfully - but, IMHO, they have got to decide whose story the ST is (I don't care if it's Luke's or his son's/daughters) and then put that character front and centre from the start (just like ANH)."

What do you think? Are Disney making the right choice to bring in new young leads for Star Wars Episode 7?

More: did you audition for the open Star Wars casting call?

More: Gary Oldman confirms Star Wars casting talk.

Watch JJ Abrams talking Star Trek casting: Will he use the same process for Star Wars?