JJ Abrams on Star Wars: 'We've got our script and we're in deep prep'

JJ Abrams says the Star Wars 7 script is ready. Photo/AP

Star Wars Episode 7 director JJ Abrams has confirmed that the sci-fi sequel's script is finished and that the project has moved into pre-production, also confirming rumours that Breaking Bad's Jesse Plemons (Todd) is being considered for a role.

The line of questioning was unsurprisingly Star Wars-centric when Abrams promoted his new show Believe at the Television Critics Association's press tour this week.

"We're working really hard and we've got our script and we're in deep prep," Abrams told reporters. "Full steam ahead."

He also addressed some of the casting rumours, joking about how they were almost dictating the auditions.

When asked about Plemons, Abrams replied: "He is one of the actors that we've talked to but it's not often that I read about actors that I'm going to be meeting.

"I get to read articles about actors who are going to come in," he added. "And so I get to see someone and say, 'Oh, I read that I was going to see you!'"

There were less enlightening responses with regards to the length of Star Wars 7 however: "I promise you it will be movie length," and he declined to comment on whether he would helm future films in the series, saying: "I'm just focusing on Episode 7 right now, that's the focus."

Original Star Wars actor Mark Hamill is set to give a Reddit AMA this week, bringing about rumours he will confirm his signature to the project.

* Star Wars Episode 7 is set for release on December 18, 2015.

- Independent