Star Wars sequel gets new writers

Screenwriter Michael Arndt is exiting Star Wars: Episode VIIwith director J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan assuming scripting duties.

Lucasfilm made the unexpected announcement Thursday. Kasdan co-wroteThe Empire Strikes Backand Return of the Jedi,making him a revered figured in Star Warslore. The 64-year-old scribe, who also wrote Raiders of the Lost Ark,had been serving as a consultant on the film.

"There are few people who fundamentally understand the way a Star Warsstory works like Larry," Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement. "Michael Arndt has done a terrific job bringing us to this point."

Arndt was named the sole screenwriter last year. He won an Oscar for the script to Little Miss Sunshine,and also wrote Toy Story 3and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Shooting for Star Wars: Episode VIIis to start in the spring, with the film due out in 2015.