Lucasfilm have officially announced plans for the production of Star Wars Episode VII to take place in the UK. All six of the previous films in the series were produced at least in part at renowned UK studios like Elstree, Shepperton, Leavesden, Ealing and Pinewood.  Set for a 2015 release the first of many new films in the Star Wars saga will be directed by J.J. Abrams.

Making the announcement latest announcement about Episode VII  Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said:

“We’ve devoted serious time and attention to revisiting the origins of ‘Star Wars’ as inspiration for our process on the new movie, and I’m thrilled that returning to the UK for production and utilizing the incredible talent there can be a part of that… Speaking from my own longstanding connection to the UK with films like ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, ‘Empire of the Sun’ and recently ‘War Horse’, it’s very exciting to be heading back.”

Chancellor of The Exchequer George Osborne, who previously met with Lucasfilm representatives to negotiate the UK production of the new Star Wars film, gave this response to the news:

“I am delighted that Star Wars is coming back to Britain. Today’s announcement that the next Star Wars film will be shot and produced in the UK is great news for fans and our creative industries. “