OFFICIAL CASTING NEWS!!!

Look, I know this isn't a news site, but I have to share the news, just like the rest of the Internet is doing right now...

LUCASFILM & DISNEY HAS FINALLY OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED THE CAST OF EPISODE VII!

Here is the announcement, word for word, as it appeared on StarWars.com...

The Star Wars team is thrilled to announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film. 

Director J.J. Abrams says, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud." 

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.

Okay, here are my first impressions...

Glad to see Kenny Baker on the list!  I didn't think he got enough Artoo time in Eps II & III.

John Boyega - I enjoyed Attack The Block.  I think this is all I have seen him in.  Gonna rewatch it tonight!

Daisy Ridley - A complete unknown to me.  She was in an episode of Mr Selfridge, a show my wife watches, so I may have seen her there.  Maybe.

Adam Driver - We knew this was coming.  I love the show Girls more then a respectable 40something father of two should, and I am familiar with his work there.  He can play dark.  I look forward to seeing what he does in the new film.

Oscar Isaac - I've seen a few of his films, but the films I've seen him in, he wasnt really a lead role.  This will make me get around to finally watching Inside Lleywn Davis.  I do remember his interview on The Daily Show last year.  He came across as an interesting guy in that interview.

Dom Gleeson - I love this guy!  I enjoyed his work on Black Mirror and About Time.  He doesn't seem like an action hero type, at least from those roles.  Certainly more of a farm boy type.  Is he playing Luke's son?  Cant wait to find out.

Max von Sydow - Yes!  Fucking Yes! My only fear is, well, the guy is in his 80's.  If his part is to last through the whole trilogy, well, I hope he doesn't die.  I hate when they have to replace actors.  (I'm looking at your Dumbledore!)

Andy Serkis - This was the biggest surprise to me on the list!  I think we all assume he is going to play some CGI character.  We he be the new Yoda, or the new Jar Jar?

And as for the rest of the classic cast returning, well, we already knew that, didn't we?  ;-)