Star Wars: Episode VII will have hundreds of live-action stormtroopers, actor says

Star Wars: Episode VII's focus on practical effects means that hundreds of actors will play extras like stormtroopers, actor Oscar Isaac told Entertainment Weekly.

Isaac, who starred in the Academy Award-nominated film Inside Llewyn Davis last year, spoke of an excited set for the upcoming film, which is scheduled for a December 18, 2015 release.

"Everyone's having a really good time," Isaac said. "J.J. [Abrams, co-writer and director] sets that tone. There's a lot of enthusiasm, and it's being done with a lot of heart. There's nothing cynical about the way we're doing this."

That lack of cynicism even applies to the way film is being produced, according to the actor. Whereas George Lucas' prequel trilogy embraced digital effects and filmmaking, Abrams is focusing on practical effects, which Isaac said affects actors' immersion in the galaxy far, far away.

"Even in the way he's shooting it — he's shooting on film and actually building the sets, so you've got hundreds of stormtroopers or whatever, and hundreds of extras and all the ships," he said. "You actually see it. It's all real. Everyone can interact with the world."

For more on Star Wars: Episode VII, check out what might be the next evolution of the stormtroopers' helmets. You can also read about the film's cast, which includes actors from the original trilogy like Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Kenny Baker (R2-D2). For even more, check out what may be the new X-Wing and a subtle Batman crossover.