The surprising cast of the new Star Wars film

The cast of the new Star Wars film has been announced and in a wonderful surprise there are some fantastic original stars returning alongside some new faces…

The new film, Star Wars Episode VII, is scheduled for international release in December 2015 and according to an announcement on the Lucasfilm website filming will begin within the next few weeks.

In the same announcement, director JJ Abrams said, “It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again.”

Here’s the low down on who’s coming back and who’s being replaced.

The newcomers

Adam Driver

A 30-year-old actor who is most famous for his major role on drama series, GIRLS. He is one of the prime suspects to play the villain in the film.

Oscar Isaac

This young fave is known for his supporting roles in Drive, Robin Hood and Inside Llewyn Davis. He’s believed to be playing a prominent character in the new film.

Domhnall Gleeson

This Irish actor is most famous for his role as Bill Weasley from the Harry Potter films and his lead role in About Time starring alongside Rachel McAdams.

John Boyega

The 22 year old Englishman has very little critical acclaim so far in his acting career but he is believed to have a major role in this new film.

Daisy Ridley

It’s been rumored that the young Brit is playing one of the most speculated roles in the film, a Jedi descendant of Obi-Wan Kenobi, so expect to see a “don’t mess with me” attitude from Daisy.

Max Von Sydow

This man is doing the over 60s proud at 85 years of age! He is a proud Swiss man and is a screen icon.

Andy Serkis

Serkis is better known as “Gollum” in Lord of the Rings. He has also had other digital animation roles including being the building block for characters in Rise of the Planet of the Apes and King Kong. His casting is leading us to believe that their must be a major digital character in the new film.

The big return of the “big three”

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford will be reclaiming the role of Hans Solo, which he held over 30 years ago. The 71 year old is reportedly playing the biggest role of the film.

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher will be returning as Princes Leia, the role that originally brought her to fame as a pin-up girl after the first movie.

Mark Hammill

Mark Hammill, the hero, Luke Skywalker will be returning as well.

The return of the “big three” is something that has the Star Wars fans in a huge hype, especially because one of the new additions is reported to be playing a child of Luke or Leia.

So, how do you feel about the casting? Will you be seeing the new Star Wars film when it is released next year?