Star Wars 7 cast confirmed: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher return alongside new additions

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Following months of feverish speculation, Star Wars Episode 7 has announced its cast, with Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley and more joining original actors Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill who will all reprise their roles.

The casting news was posted on Star Wars official site, presumably before it leaked via a script read through JJ Abrams held in London today (Ford and Hamill had already been spotted around town).

The new arrivals are:

John Boyega - A 22-year-old best known for London-based sci-fi film Attack The Block, expected to form part of the sequel's 'trio of young leads'.

Daisy Ridley - A relatively unknown young British actress who has appeared in Mr Selfridge and Casualty.

Adam Driver - One of the leads in HBO's Girls, expected to play a Darth Vader-like antagonist.

Oscar Isaac - The star of the Coen brothers' Inside Llewyn Davis. Will probably play a major role.

Andy Serkis - Considered the best motion capture artist going. Will no doubt portray an alien of some sort (though hopeful we won't see another Jar Jar Binks).

Domhnall Gleeson - Son of Irish actor Brendan Gleeson, played Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter films.

Read more - Star Wars 7 cast: What characters will they play?

Max von Sydow - By far the eldest new addition, with a long history in Hollywood that includes The Exorcist. Could play a sinister old Jedi like Christopher Lee's Count Dooku.

Returning are: Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Kenny Baker (R2-D2).

The announcement will no doubt lead to many fan theories over the film's plot, and presents the possibility of us seeing a wizened, elderly Chewie retired from space flight.

“We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII,” said JJ Abrams. “It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again.

“We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud.”

Disney previously said that the sequel will be set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, suggesting it may centre around Han and Leia's children.

Star Wars Episode 7 will begin shooting at Pinewood Studios near London next month.

Read More: Who Is Daisy Ridley? Actress Becomes Overnight Sensation