The "Star Wars Episode 7" production has announced when principal photography will begin at London's Pinewood Studios.

Disney and Lucasfilm have confirmed filming for the latest installment of the "Star Wars" series will begin in May, according to a news release.  Along with the filming announcement comes confirmation fans will get to see original cast members return in the new film.

"It has also been confirmed that Star Wars: Episode VII is set about 30 years after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, and will star a trio of new young leads along with some very familiar faces. No further details on casting or plot are available at this time," the "Star Wars" production said in a statement.

The trio of new young leads for the franchise might feature an Oscar-winning actress if the rumor mills are correct. The Latino Review reports Lupita Nyong'o has met with director J.J. Abrams, possibly for a role as a Sith in the upcoming film.

"We can report that there's a recent Oscar winner who has been reading for a part for over the past month and she's extremely close to signing onto the movie: 12 Years A Slave's Lupita Nyong'o," according the Latino Review.  "The part Nyong'o has been reading for a is a major female role and doesn't seem to be tied into the family lines from Episodes 4-6."

The entertainment site reports representatives for Nyong'o denied to comment about the alleged meeting with Abrams.  Nyong'o joins Adam Driver, Jesse Plemmons, Ed Speelers and "Attack the Block" star John Boyega as the latest actors to be linked to the film's cast.

"Star Wars Episode 7" will be released to theaters on Dec. 18, 2015.

Which original cast members would you like to see return in the upcoming film?  Let us know in the comments section below.