And from the sounds of it, there's been quite a bit of behind the scenes drama on Episode VII that led to Oscar-winning screenwriter Michael Arndt parting ways with the project last fall. Even the counsel of former Lucasfilm boss George Lucas was said to have been sought. From THR:
"Arndt is said to have focused on the offspring of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), with the original trilogy heroes taking on supporting roles. Abrams, however, wanted Episode VII to focus on the classic trio of characters, so audiences could have one more chance to enjoy them before a fitting send-off. The new characters, the offspring, will now be in supporting roles, according to these sources, and take center stage in Episode VIII and IX. Some characters have disappeared from the Arndt script and new ones are being drafted.