More than three decades after the initial release of the Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episode VII has started filming, with reports confirming that the crew gathered on Friday in Abu Dhabi.

Digital Spy reported that J.J. Abram's production might also include scenes from Morocco and Tunisia, but those reports have not been officially confirmed yet. Adam Driver (Lincoln, 2012) has been cast as the son of Han Solo and Princess Leia.

In a Twitter photo posted by Bad Robot, Abrams' production company, it was confirmed that Star Wars: Episode 7 "#dayone" was shot in Abu Dhabi, a new setting from the original locations in Tunisia. Prior to filming in the United Arab Emirates, Oscar Issac told Radio 4's Front Row that some scenes were already filmed in London.  However, no news about the 34-year-old actor's role has surfaced yet under strict orders not to reveal anything.

According to the BBC, Issac had a long talk with Director Abrams about his role in the film but admitted it was hard to conceal the casting news a month before the official announcement. "[I] tried to play it cool - but, I mean, it was clear I was just so excited he wanted me to be a part of the whole thing."

He emphasized that his role is definitely not as a Jedi Knight but told fans he "liked the tertiary characters or the ones you don't necessarily look at. I was a huge Boba Fett fan," BBC reported.

Among other cast connected to Star Wars: Episode VII are Adam Driver, John Boyega, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow and Daisy Ridley.

Original characters played by Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker and Peter Mayhew will also return for the film set 30 years after the Return of the Jedi, according to Digital Spy.

Star Wars: Episode VII premieres in cinemas worldwide on December 18, 2015.