The infamous Darth Vader won't be returning for the "Star Wars Episode 7" franchise, but it doesn't mean James Earl Jones isn't excited to see the film live on.
Jones spoke with Variety about J.J. Abrams upcoming production, confirming he won't be apart of the new franchise films.
"I've got no illusions that I will or even hankerings to be in them, but I'm very proud to have been part of the original," Jones said.
The actor didn't dish any details about the production, but has high hopes of "Episode 7."
"[I have] no idea where they'll go with it, but I hope they sustain the success of the first ones and do it well," Jones told Variety.
Jones might not be a part of the "Episode 7" crew, but original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker will be reprising their roles.
Along with the original cast members comes a slue of newcomers to the "Star Wars Episode 7" crew. John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson and Max von Sydow will also star in the upcoming along with Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o and "Game of Thrones" star Gwendoline Christie.
Lucasfilm and Disney recently made the casting announcement about Nyong'o and Christie joining the production.
"I could not be more excited about Lupita and Gwendoline joining the cast of Episode VII," Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement. "It's thrilling to see this extraordinarily talented ensemble taking shape."
Nyong'o is best known for her role in "12 Years A Slave," but Christie has landed a role in another blockbuster franchise. Christie will play Commander Lyme in the upcoming "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay" Part 1 and Part 2.
"Star Wars Episode 7" will be released to theaters on Dec. 18, 2015.
