Disney has confirmed that storylines running through the "expanded universe" Star Wars novels will not inform J.J Abrams' forthcoming movie Star Wars Episode VII. The books were written to satisfy the appetite of fans following the release on 1983's Return of the Jedi, but Disney said in a statement that only the six Star Wars feature films and animation Star Wars: The Clone Wars are considered part of the official canon.

JJ AbramsJj Abrams Is Helming Star Wars: Episode VII

"These stories are the immovable objects of Star Wars history, the characters and events to which all other tales must align," said the statement. "In order to give maximum creative freedom to the film-makers and also preserve an element of surprise and discovery for the audience, Star Wars Episodes VII-IX will not tell the same story told in the post-Return of the Jedi expanded universe."

"While Lucasfilm always strived to keep the stories created for the EU consistent with our film and television content as well as internally consistent,George Lucas always made it clear that he was not beholden to the EU," the statement added.

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However, LucasFilm said it was not ruling out borrowing from the novels in future, offering hope for fans of Cade Skywalker and his team. 

Abrams movie is currently shooting at Pinewood Studios and in the deserts of Abu Dhabi. It is tipped to focus on the original trio of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo - played by Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford - though will also introduce new characters, including a villain played by Adam Driver.

Disney are planning a string of new Star Wars movies, including spin-off 'origin' movies featuring characters including Yoda, Han Solo and Boba Fett. 

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