'Star Wars: Episode 7' Release Date Rumors, Spoilers, Cast News: Filming Nearly Finished But Premiere Still A Year Away

"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." Yes, after a long, long time – after nearly 40 years in fact – we will be transported back to the exotic and turbulent world of the Galactic Empire as the epic Star Wars movie series returns for its seventh episode.

Filming of "Star Wars: Episode VII" in London will be finished in two weeks' time, according to producer Kathleen Kennedy.

Speaking to the Guardian last week, Kennedy said the movie will be the first of a new Star Wars trilogy that will be produced by the franchise's creator, George Lucas. Kennedy said Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic special effects company has already set up its first studio in the UK to work on the new trilogy.

But even though filming of Star Wars 7 will soon be finished, it will take more than a year – an eternity for some – before we can watch it on the big screen. "Star Wars: Episode VII" is set for release on Dec. 18, 2015.

Original Star Wars actor Warwick Davis has revealed that he will be back in the franchise's seventh episode which will be directed by Star Trek's JJ Abrams.

Other originals -- Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Kenny Baker and Peter Mayhew – will also be back, according to reports. New faces will include John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson and Lupita Nyong'o.

Fans' anticipation has started building up despite the producers' apparent bid to keep the movie under tight wraps.

But no matter how tight the lid is, leaks, spoilers and rumors on the movie have steadily been surfacing on the Web.

Rumors have it that "Star Wars: Episode VII" will see Princess Leia becoming the head of the Republic and getting married to Han Solo, who is now a retired veteran of the Republic fleet. It is speculated that Leia will bear a child sired by Solo.

Luke Skywalker (played by Hamill) is rumored to be caught up between the good and evil sides of the Force.

The Empire still exists in a number of loyal galaxies and that it is in a state of cold war with the Republic.

Rumors say that the Jedis have become extinct, with Luke being considered as "the last of his kind."

The main antagonists, again based on rumors, are an older student of the Emperor, and his apprentice.

In the end, still according to rumors, Luke will play the savior's role once again but that he will change in "a bad way."