London: In a major boost for the British film industry, the next instalment of the much-hyped 'Star Wars' series is to be shot in the UK.
The official confirmation by producers Lucasfilm prompted the UK Chancellor, George Osborne, to take to Twitter to claim that the force is strong with the British film industry.
"Just confirmed: the next 'Star Wars' film will be made in UK. Great news for our creative industries. May the force be with us," he posted on Twitter on Friday.
"It is clear evidence that our incentives are attracting the largest studios back to the UK. I am personally committed to seeing more great films and television made in Britain," he added.
The seventh episode of the science fantasy saga is due to start production next year and will hit the screens in 2015.
It will be directed by JJ Abrams, who has already overseen the revival of the rival 'Star Trek' franchise.
"We have devoted serious time and attention to revisiting the origins of 'Star Wars' as inspiration for our process on the new movie, and I am thrilled that returning to the UK for production and utilising the incredible talent there can be a part of that," said Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy.
The company's representatives had met Osborne earlier this year to work on a deal to make the film in this country.
All six previous 'Star Wars' movies have included UK production with parts of previous films being shot in studios steeped in British cinematic history, including Elstree, Shepperton, Leavesden, Ealing and Pinewood Studios.
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