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"Star Wars: Episode VII" to be set 30 years after "Return of the Jedi"

The next installment in the "Star Wars" film franchise will take place 30 years after "Return of the Jedi," it was revealed Tuesday.

Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger shared the "Star Wars: Episode VII" news at the company's annual shareholders meeting in Portland, Ore., Reuters reports.

Few details about the J.J. Abrams-directed project have been released, but the official "Star Wars" website teased that the film will star "a trio of new young leads along with some very familiar faces."

Actors reportedly being considered for the film include Adam Driver ("Girls") and Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o ("12 Years a Slave"). Iger did not confirm any casting news Tuesday, other than saying that R2D2 would be returning.

Filming on Disney and Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: Episode VII" is set to begin in May, with a release date set for Dec. 18, 2015.

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