Star Wars: Episode VII has a release date

star-wars-logo-imagesVariety reports that Disney and LucasFilm will release Star Wars: Episode VII on December 18th, 2015, according to an announcement made today by both studios. Disney also announced that George Clooney vehicle Tomorrowland is being moved from December 12th, 2014, to a pre-Memorial Day weekend launch on May 22nd, 2015.

The J.J. Abrams-directed Star Wars sequel will start shooting in the Spring of 2014 at Pinewood Studios in the U.K.

“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 filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture,” said Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios.

Casting for Star Wars: Episode VII is already underway in secret according to the report, with open call appointments in the U.K. set for this month. Abrams and Star Wars alumni Lawrence Kasdan are writing the script, after Toy Story 3 writer Michael Arndt was booted from the project.

On its release date, Star Wars: Episode VII joins Sony Pictures’ previously announced Inferno, along with Universal Pictures’ Warcraft.