How is the filming of the new Star Wars going?

Rejoice, Star Wars fans! Photos from the filming of the next episode of the legendary fantasy saga, which was directed by J. J. Abrams, have leaked to the network.

Photos from the super-secret filming of the new (VII) episode of Star Wars, which are taking place in Abu Dhabi, have appeared on the network. And although the main characters are not yet visible in the frame, these pictures may be the first news about what fans of the famous saga can expect from the upcoming picture. Director J. J. Abrams began filming last month, and while little is known about the plot yet, leaked photos hint that the makers will return to the saga's original style for this episode. Many are already thinking with might and main that the scenery in Abu Dhabi is very reminiscent of the planet Tatooine - the birthplace of Luke Skywalker.

(Total 25 photos)

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

1. Here is such a charm awaits us in the new film. Looks like a mixture of rhinoceros, pig and bulldog. According to some reports, the new alien will be controlled by a team of five people who sit in his stomach. Allegedly, this miracle will appear in two scenes, the action of which will take place in the market of Tatooine.

2. Also in the photos you can see two robots that vaguely resemble R2-D2.

3. In the background in other pictures you can see some parts of various mechanisms and devices, and extras in muted tones have fun on the set, taking pictures for memory.

4. This whole world strangely reminds fans of the scenery of previous parts, in particular Star Wars. Episode IV: A New Hope" when we first meet Luke. Also, one cannot but rejoice at the abundance of “real” special effects, and not these green screens, against which most modern films are shot (and which are rather fed up with both actors and spectators).

5. A film crew of 600 people traveled to Abu Dhabi last month to set up a filming location on a heavily guarded site. Filming in the desert has since wrapped and the crew has moved to London. Abu Dhabi has become a completely new filming location, different from those in which the previous six parts were filmed.

6. For Episodes I-VI, the desert in Tunisia was chosen. Additional filming took place in Death Valley National Park. At the request of the Tunisian government, the scenery of the home of Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader) is still preserved in the Sahara desert.

7. Even though the official trailers for Star Wars: Episode VII are still a long way off, these amazing photos give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the sets and costumes for the new episode. The new movie is said to take place 30 years after the Battle of Yavin. Lucasfilm also announced that Lupita Nyong'o and Gwendolyn Christie have joined the cast.

8. Lupita Nyong'o won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her amazing performance in 12 Years a Slave. Gwendolyn Christie can now be seen as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones. You'll also see her in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2.

9. “I'm thrilled to have Lupita and Gwendoline join the cast of Episode VII,” says Lucasfilm President Caitlin Kennedy. "It's incredible to watch this talented ensemble cast take shape."

10. Star Wars legends Garrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Kenny Baker (R2-D2) will return into the famous saga, although Abrams left room for new faces.

11. British actors John Boyega (The Strangers) and Daisy Ridley (Mr Selfridge) join Adam Driver (The Girls), Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis) and Domhnall Gleason (Frank) for filming in the film.

12. Andy Serkis will also add his talent to the bin, and big-screen veteran Max von Sydow (The Exorcist) has signed on to star in the saga. Abrams previously said, "We're so excited to finally share the cast of the new episode."

13. “It's just indescribable to see beloved old heroes and new faces come together to bring this fantasy world back to life. We started filming a couple of weeks ago and are doing our best to make the fans of the saga proud of us."

14. Star Wars Episode VII is directed by J. J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams.

15. Caitlin Kennedy, Abrams and Bryan Burke are producing, with John Williams returning as composer. The film is released worldwide on December 18, 2015.

16. Last month, J. J. Abrams announced that one lucky guy - and his friend - could appear in the next adventure in the saga.

17. A new competition is starting, which is part of an initiative called Star Wars: The Force of Change. The competition, organized by UNICEF, is charitable and aims to raise funds and draw everyone's attention to the problems of vulnerable children.

18. In a specially recorded video, Abrams said how glad he was that he was given the opportunity to make this film, and then revealed the secret about the main prize of the competition.

19. And the main prize is the opportunity to get to Pinewood Studios in London and visit the shooting as a VIP guest of Abrams himself.

20. The lucky winner (with a friend) will have the opportunity to meet the actors and experience the art of dressing up with makeup and costumes. By the way, the winner will appear in one of the scenes of the film!

21. The contest is run by Omaze.com, a charity auction. You can participate in the contest by depositing only $10.

22. There are several tiers of donations to this campaign, and each tier will reward you with a special item related to Star Wars. The deadline for applying for participation is July 18.

23. Disney, which now owns the iconic franchise, has already donated a million dollars to this charity event.

24. “Star Wars fans are some of the most passionate and outgoing people in the world,” says Abrams. “We are happy to give them the opportunity to visit the filming of the film.”

25. "But we're even more excited that by participating in this campaign, Star Wars fans will help children around the world."