Now that the main cast for Star Wars: Episode VII is all set, production can get started. There’s rumors that on-location filming may start as soon as this week in Abu Dhabi.
The National, a local news outlet in Abu Dhabi, has reported that sets are being built there. Sources for the site said that a “whole world” is being constructed there for the film, although police and military personnel are keeping onlookers from seeing the area.
The crew is referring to one building as the “alien house.” The site also reports that there are 10 to 15 “really fast buggies” with jet engines. There’s also been some explosives taken to the area.
Disney chairman Alan Horn recently said that they only did second-unit work there, which wouldn’t require the main cast. However, it looks like they have bigger plans for what’s going on in Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, Empire reports that Oscar Isaac spoke with the Sunday Times about getting a role in the film, admitting that he’s still surprised.
“I could not be more excited to be a part of the Star Wars saga,” the Inside Llewyn Davis actor said. “It still seems hard to believe. Star Wars is a huge part of my family. Collecting toys, throwing themed parties. We had a big one for Return of the Jedi. I came as a gonk droid.”
Carrie Fisher’s famous mother, Debbie Reynolds told Extra that her daughter is “very excited” about playing Princess Leia again. “She’s been on a diet ever since, because you know they have to be up to par, so she looks terrific, she’s lost 40 pounds,” Reynolds said.
Episode VII will open on Dec. 18, 2015. J.J. Abrams is directing.