Star Wars Episode 7 Rolling In May With "Some Very Familiar Faces"

For the first time since Return of the Jedi, Star Wars will begin filming in a month other than June. Announced this week was a May 2014 "first day of principal photography" date set in stone, this veering off a bit from the schedules set with Episodes I, II, and III. Star Wars (later renamed Star Wars: A New Hope), started filming on March 22nd, 1976, while The Empire Strikes Back started March 5th, 1979, and Return of the Jedi began timing on January 11th, 1982.

Each of the prequel films began in June of their respective years, 1997, 2000, and 2003. Preparing for a final release date of December 18th, 2015, Star Wars Episode VII couldn't very well have started filming much later – not much time between here and there, after all.

Another big "confirmation" this week is a bit more about the plot line for this film. Over at Star Wars dot com, they've confirmed that the film will be set "about 30 years after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi."

"It has also been confirmed that Star Wars: Episode VII is set about 30 years after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, and will star a trio of new young leads along with some very familiar faces. No further details on casting or plot are available at this time." – Star Wars Official

This film will be directed by J.J. Abrams and will start principal shooting at London's historic Pinewood Studios. Have a peek at the timeline below for additional details on this film as bits and pieces continue to leak out.