AceShowbiz -

Previously confirmed to start shooting in early 2014, "Star Wars Episode 7" now gets its filming location. Disney-owned Lucasfilm has announced that the upcoming "Star Wars" film will take place in Britain, continuing its longstanding history with the U.K. after the last six installments of the George Lucas film franchise were all filmed there.

"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 U.K. for production and utilizing the incredible talent there can be a part of that," says Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm.

"Speaking from my own longstanding connection to the U.K. with films like 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', 'Empire of the Sun' and recently 'War Horse', it's very exciting to be heading back," adds Kennedy.

Chancellor George Osborne, with whom the Lucasfilm execs made the production deal, feels "delighted" by the partnership. "Today's announcement that the next 'Star Wars' film will be shot and produced in the U.K. is great news for fans and our creative industries," he says. "It is clear evidence that our incentives are attracting the largest studios back to the U.K."

The conservative politician hopes that there will be more projects to come and shoot in Britain. "I am personally committed to seeing more great films and television made in Britain," he says.

The upcoming highly-anticipated sci-fi flick will be directed by J.J. Abrams with the script provided by Michael Arndt. The film is scheduled for a 2015 release.