Star Wars: Episode VII script to be finalised by January

Los Angeles - The Stars Wars: Episode VII script is due to be completed by January.

Little Miss Sunshine writer Michael Arndt began working on the script before Disney purchased Lucasfilm - which is an American film and television production company founded by George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars franchise - in 2012.

Later it emerged director J. J. Abrams and Academy Award-winning screenwriter with Return of the Jedi screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan would take over writing duties as they wanted to make changes to the script.

Speaking at an event hosted by Variety over the weekend, Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn also revealed the highly anticipated sequel has a budget of at least $200 million.

Variety journalist Marc Graser tweeted: "Disney expects to get script for Star Wars 7 in January. No budget for movie although studio wouldn't be surprised if it costs $200 million."

Until the script is finalised there will be no stars cast in the highly anticipated sci-fi flick but it is rumoured a few of the original cast - which includes Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford - may make a comeback.

Star Wars: Episode VII is set to be released on 18 December 2015.