'Star Wars' sequel to shoot in Britain

‘Star Wars’ sequel to shoot in Britain

1/2

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is the first installment in the next trilogy of “Star Wars” films. Here’s a look at how each of the previous episodes fared at the box office. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

2/2

Domestic box office: $928,842,219 | Worldwide box office: $2,052,842,219 | The force returned -- big time -- with the J.J. Abrams-directed film, which introduced a new generation of characters. It was the first film in the franchise released by Disney after purchasing the rights from the saga’s creator, George Lucas.

(Film Frame / Associated Press )

By Richard Verrier

May 10, 2013 5:06 PM PT

The force is returning to Britain.

Disney-owned Lucasfilm announced Friday that production of “Star Wars: Episode VII” will take place in the United Kingdom, the latest example of a high-profile Hollywood movie filming outside California. Another big Disney movie, Marvel Studios’ current release “Iron Man 3,” filmed in North Carolina.

Britain provides rebates of up to 25%, making it an attractive destination for such big productions as the “Harry Potter” movies, “Clash of the Titans” and “Captain America: the First Avenger.”

The “Star Wars” franchise has longstanding ties to Britain. All of the six previous live-action Star Wars movies have filmed scenes in the U.K. at such renowned studios as Shepperton and Pinewood Studios.

CRITICS’ PICKS: What to watch, where to go, what to eat and more

“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,” Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, said in a statement. “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.”

Representatives from Lucasfilm met with the chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, in London this year to establish an agreement to produce “Star Wars” in the U.K.

PHOTOS: ‘Star Wars’ at the box office

“I am delighted that ‘Star Wars’ is coming back to Britain,” Osborne said. “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.”

“Star Wars: Episode VII” will be directed by J.J. Abrams, with a screenplay by Michael Arndt, and is scheduled for a 2015 release.

After acquiring Lucasfilm last year for $4 billion, Disney announced this year that it will release a new “Star Wars” film every year starting in 2015, with “Episode VII” the first installment in a planned trilogy. Disney also is releasing two stand-alone “Star Wars” films that are not part of the overall saga.

ALSO:

‘Star Wars’ writer Simon Kinberg talks spin-off films J.J. Abrams directing ‘Star Wars’: Many voices cry out

Britain’s prime minister brightens the picture for Hollywood