It is a case of one out and two in as screenwriter Michael Arndt (Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Little Miss Sunshine) is replaced by the film’s director J.J Abrams and co-writer of The Empire Strikes Back, Lawrence Kasdan.

Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy has stated “I am very excited about the story we have in place and thrilled to have Larry and J.J. working on the script”. Kasdan knows the Star Wars films very well and having also written Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, he is no stranger to epic adventure.

Michael Arndt is also thought to have written treatments for a further two Star Wars films but the new writing duo may create more buzz going into production at England’s Pinewood studios in Spring next year.

Star Wars Episode VII is scheduled for release in 2015.