"Star Wars: Episode VII" officially has a release date!

The pre-production team has confirmed the launch date of December 18, 2015, has been set for director J.J. Abrams' most anticipated flick.

"We're very excited to share the official 2015 release date for Star Wars: Episode VII, where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture," said Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios in a statement.

"Star Wars: Episode VII" will be directed by Abrams and scripted by him and Lawrence Kasdan.  Shooting is scheduled to begin spring 2014 at Pinewood Studios.

Abrams recently opened up to Deadline.com about the writer's switch up as Michael Arndt was originally supposed to pen the script.

"It became clear that given the time frame and given the process and the way the thing was going that working with Larry in this way was going to get us where we need to be and when we needed to be," Abrams told Deadline.  "Working with Larry Kasdan, especially on a Star Wars movie is kind of unbeatable."

"Working with Michael was a wonderful experience and I couldn't be a bigger fan of his or adore him more, He's a wonderful guy and was incredibly helpful in the process," Abrams added.

However, Abrams also explained he and Kasdan would be writing the first of the three new Disney "Star Wars" films.

"That doesn't preclude working with Michael again in the future." Abrams told Deadline.  "He is one of the best writers around."

"Star Wars" casting is rumored to be in full swing.  Several tweets for Disney casting calls surfaced on Tuesday.  Click here to read more about casting.

What characters would you like to see return to the series? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!