Old favourites to return as Disney plans new trilogy

Dubai: The beginning of a new Star Wars trilogy that will take place sometime after the events of Return of the Jedi is scheduled to start shooting in 2014.

The film will likely focus on a new generation of heroes as well as an older Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa.

Disney says George Lucas, the original writer and director who sold the rights to franchise to Disney for $4.05 billion, will serve as a consultant while also involved in the project are Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg.

Kasdan has a long history with Lucasfilm, as screenwriter on The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Return of the Jedi. Kinberg was writer on Sherlock Holmes and Mr and Mrs Smith.

Said to focus on a new generation of heroes and could feature appearances by Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher in older incarnations of their beloved characters from the original Star Wars trilogy.