LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19 (UPI)–Hollywood’s Disney and LucasFilm have confirmed the iconic robot R2-D2 will appear in the upcoming “Star Wars: Episode VII,” Variety.com reported Tuesday.

The long-awaited sequel is in preproduction at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom and will begin shooting this spring.

The film is set for theatrical release Dec. 18, 2015. No casting has been officially announced yet.