'Star Wars: Episode 7' has finally announced its cast after a long process that has spanned months of speculation and rumors. The stars of the original trilogy - Mark Hamill, Harrison FordCarrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker - have finally been confirmed, and they'll be joined by newcomers to the franchise Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Max von Sydow, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Andy Serkis and Domhnall Gleeson.

The 'Star Wars' casting news was revealed by Lucasfilm and Disney.

Adam Driver was previously revealed to be in talks to play the film's villain earlier last month, and Boyega and Isaac had been rumored over the past weeks. Hamill, Ford and Fisher have been all-but-confirmed since back in October 2012 when George Lucas sold Lucasfilm to Disney and 'Star Wars: Episode 7' was announced. Also returning are Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Kenny Baker (R2-D2), while Max von Sydow, Daisy Ridley, Andy Serkis and Domhnall Gleeson are all new names.

The announcement marks the end of a protracted casting process that lasted right up until the film's first table read in London (seen above). Lucasfilm and Disney wanted to hold any official 'Star Wars' casting confirmations until May 4, "Star Wars Day," as the start of what will be a massive promotional campaign over the next 20 months.

Director J.J. Abrams said in a statement:

We are so excited to finally share the cast of 'Star Wars: Episode 7.' It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud.

Not much is known about 'Star Wars: Episode 7' (not surprising given Abrams' penchant for secrecy), but we do know that it will take place 30 years after the events of 'Return of the Jedi' and will mainly focus on Han, Luke and Leia, while introducing a trio of new stars, who will take a larger role in future sequels. Ford specifically is said to have a "gigantic" role in the film, leaving many to speculate about his future with the trilogy.

With a script he wrote alongside Lawrence Kasdan ('The Empire Strikes Back'), J.J. Abrams will direct 'Star Wars: Episode 7' starting this month, and will be based at London’s historic Pinewood Studios.

'Star Wars: Episode 7' opens in theaters on December 18, 2015.

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