The Walt Disney Company has announced it will release the next Star Wars film on 18 December 2015.
Disney bought Lucasfilm, the company behind Star Wars, from creator George Lucas last year for $US4 billion.
It is to make at least three new films in the series, one of the most successful franchises ever.
Disney announced the release date on Friday when it reported a 12% jump in net profit for the three months to 28 September.
It made a net profit of $US1.39 billion during the quarter, up from $US1.24 billion during the same period last year.
The company also reported that its net income for the financial year to 28 September rose 8% from a year ago to $US6.1 billion.
Thousands turn out for casting call
Thousands of people have turned out in Britain to audition for a role in the latest movie in the Star Wars franchise.
Disney made a casting call last week for an actress to play a "street-smart" and strong character aged 17 or 18, as well as an actor to play a capable and courageous young man, in Star Wars: Episode VII.
The BBC reports many young hopefuls queued for hours in the pouring rain in Bristol for a 'meet and greet' with casting directors. Some even camped overnight.
Local media say others even travelled from the United States and Sweden to take part in the auditions.
Further casting sessions will take place across the UK and Ireland.
