'Star Wars: Episode VII' release date announced
Star Wars VII will be the first movie in the Star Wars franchise to be released in December, not the summer. Star Wars helped create the concept of the summer blockbuster.
NEW YORK
For the first time in the franchise's history, a "Star Wars" film won't be released in the summer.
Walt Disney Studios announced Thursday that "Star Wars: Episode VII" will open in theaters on Dec. 18, 2015. The original 1977 film helped create the concept of the summer blockbuster. But this latest installation in George Lucas' space opera will be a holiday affair.
The project recently shuffled screenwriters, worrying much of the "Star Wars" fan universe. Screenwriter Michael Arndt exited, with director J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan taking over the script.
Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn said the December date will "ensure our extraordinary team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture."
"Star Wars VII" is set to begin shooting in the spring at Pinewood Studios.