Kathleen Kennedy Says 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Draws Major Inspiration From 'Star Wars' Origins

The news that Star Wars: Episode VII will shoot in the UK isn't a big deal, as the series has always had a production home in Britain. But in announcing plans to film the new Episode at one of the UK's major studios (which one is not specified), LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy has issued a statement that some fans might find promising. Specificially, she says that the origins of Star Wars have been a big inspiration on the new film.

The official Star Wars website ran this statement from the producer:

We've devoted serious time and attention to revisiting the origins of Star Wars as inspiration for our process on the new movie, and I'm thrilled that returning to the UK for production and utilizing the incredible talent there can be a part of that. Speaking from my own longstanding connection to the UK with films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Empire of the Sun and recently War Horse, it's very exciting to be heading back.

This might just be a good press release, and shouldn't be taken as indication that the new film will be primarily shot with practical sets and effects. But if nothing else, we'll take the suggestion that the prequel tendencies aren't the primary influence on this film. And we know that director JJ Abrams has an affinity for shooting on sets and locations that George Lucas didn't share over the past couple decades, so this instills a shred of optimism.

J.J. Abrams will direct Star Wars: Episode VII  from a screenplay by Michael Arndt. It is scheduled for a 2015 release.