FILMING on the new Star Wars film will begin at Pinewood Studios in May this year, it has been announced.

Disney and Lucasfilm have confirmed the new Star Wars film will be produced at the historic studios based in Iver Heath.

Star Wars: Episode VII will be directed by Lost, Star Trek Into Darkness and Mission Impossible III director, JJ Abrams.

It was also confirmed that the latest instalment in the film franchise will be set 30 years after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi.

Star Wars have added that the new film will “star a trio of new young leads along with some very familiar faces.”

Speculation is now growing as to who the “familiar faces” could be with originals Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher all rumoured to possibly be involved.

It is expected that Star Wars: Episode VII will be released in theatres on December 18, 2015.