The tradition of filming Star Wars movies in the U.K. will now extend to Disney’s spin-off films. Gareth Edwards’ currently untitled film will be made in London, just like the main episodes of the saga.
The news was confirmed by Chancellor George Osborne on Twitter Tuesday. “On set of Episode VII tonight, can announce another #StarWars film will be made in UK. A #LongTermEconomicPlan in a galaxy far far away,” he wrote in his first message. That was followed by another post, which included a picture with Osborne, producer and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and director/co-writer J.J. Abrams. R2-D2 and part of the Millenium Falcon cockpit are also spotted in the photo.
Osborne later told the U.K. media that an additional Star Wars feature made in the U.K. will provide the country with an economic boom, including more jobs, notes The BBC.
“The further changes the government made to the film tax relief at Budget 2014 will support our highly skilled, innovative creative sectors so that they continue to thrive and encourage more films to be made in the U.K.,” Osborne said.
“The UK crew that we're working with on Star Wars: Episode VII is incredible,” Kennedy added. “They're among the most gifted and passionate when it comes to film and storytelling. Star Wars couldn't be in better hands.”
Disney announced the first Star Wars spin-off last month, hiring Godzilla’s Edwards to direct. The film will be out on Dec. 16, 2016. Josh Trank (Chronicle) was hired to direct another spin-off.
With #StarWars director J.J Abrams and Lucasfilm president Kathy Kennedy, talking to a key cast member.. pic.twitter.com/12sRtBbf8E
— George Osborne (@George_Osborne) June 10, 2014
image via Twitter from George Osborne
image of Kathleen Kennedy courtesy of INFevents.com