Star Wars fans worldwide have left out a sigh of relief (or dread, depending on how you feel about Disney owned Lucasfilms) as the release date for Star Wars: Episode VII has been revealed. The next instalment of the franchise will be out in cinemas on 18th December 2015.

In a statement released on StarWars.com, the chairman of Walt Disney Studios, Alan Horn, said:
"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 film going season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture."

Some details of the crew have been released. J.J, Abrams, best known for directing the latest Star Trek films, will direct, co-produce and co-write the script alongside Lawrence Kasdan. Kasdan penned the scripts for Episodes V and VI: The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, as well as Raiders of the Lost Ark. 

Incredibly, John Williams, who devised one of the most iconic scores in film history for the original instalments, will be returning to devise a new score for the upcoming film. 

Rumours, according to , are suggesting the cast of the original Star Wars films (episodes IV-VI) may feature in the upcoming film. Should rumours prove accurate, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamil may return to the cult franchise. Pre-production for the film is currently on-going and filming is scheduled to begin at Pinewood Studios, in the UK, in Spring 2014. 

Disney studios bought Lucasfilms last year for $4 billion (£2.6 billion), as the BBC reports, and are committed to making at least three new Star Wars films. There is also the possibility more films may be produced which focus on certain standalone characters.

Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford is rumoured to be returning to the franchise.

Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher starred in the original Star Wars films.