LucasFilm has confirmed that the Star Wars: Episode VII release date will be 18 December 2015.

Still in pre-production, and with much of the cast not even decided yet, little is known about the first of the new trilogy of Star Wars films. But today LucasFilm has put a clear marker in the sand and will aim to have the first film finished in time for Christmas 2015.

This would make for a fairly quick turn around for such a large production, which is still at such an early stage. For instance pre-production for The Hobbit began in 2008, some four years before the first film arrived.

This would also mark the first time a Star Wars film has been released at Christmas time, with all previous films arriving in May.

Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, while responding to rumours that there were worries about meeting the 2015 deadline, said “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.”

Just a few days ago the production put out a casting call for what are expected to be the lead roles in the film, with it also speculated that relatively unknown actors and actresses will be chosen.

J. J. Abrams has been chosen as the director of the new film, with many citing the success of his reboot of the Star Trek films as the reason for being picked. He is also co-writer, and will be working alongside Lawrence Kasdan, who co-wrote The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and Raiders of the Lost Ark for Lucasfilm.

George Lucas, after selling his LucasFilm company to Disney, is not expected to play a major role in the film’s production.