It has just been announced that Disney have begun development on the next Star Wars movie that will go into production as a 'stand-alone' release.

According to StarWars.com, the next Star Wars movie (AKA Star Wars 8) will be directed by Gareth Edwards, with the screenplay written by Gary Whitta.

The release date for the next Star Wars outing is set for December 16, 2016. This will be exactly a year from the release of Star Wars 7 that is currently shooting in Abu Dhabi.

"Ever since I saw Star Wars I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life -- join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited and honored to go on this mission with Lucasfilm,"

Edwards recently directed 'Godzilla' and 'Monsters', both smash hits.

With 'Star Wars 7' now in production, fans of the franchise have even more good news awaiting them.