Today’s panels at the Disney convention D23 focus on the studio's live-action lineup, and many were hoping for some real, honest-to-goodness news with regards to Star Wars: Episode VII.  Unfortunately, Disney chief Alan Horn was tight-lipped about the project, but he did confirm that the film is indeed slated for release in summer 2015.  While Disney/Lucasfilm have been pointing to a “planned 2015 release date" for some time now, many wondered if the date was actually feasible given that production doesn’t get underway until 2014.  It appears so, and Episode VII will no doubt be the event film of a very crowded 2015.

Hit the jump for more, and check back here on Collider later today for much more from Disney’s live-action D23 panels.

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A specific summer 2015 date for Episode VII has yet to be settled on, but Disney has The Avengers: Age of Ultron kicking things off on May 1st and July will host Pirates of the Caribbean 5 and Independence Day 2.  I’d wager that a late May release or sometime in June is likely for Star Wars, but the odds are definitely in May's favor as all six previous Star Wars films opened that month.  The only major tentpoles currently slated for June include the new Terminator (June 26th) and Assassin’s Creed (June 19th).  It’s also possible that Star Wars could be pushed to the holiday season.

Whatever date Disney chooses for Star Wars: Episode VII, other studios will most definitely clear out of its path.  The film has pretty much solidified its status as the most anticipated pic of 2015, and whether it’s a stinker or a success, it will no doubt make loads and loads of money.  

Click here to catch up on all of our Star Wars coverage, or peruse the recent links below:

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