SORRY, EVERYONE. The reports that the new Star Wars is set to film in Ireland probably aren’t true.

At least, not that anyone knows.

This week has brought us a slew of suggestions that the seventh Star Wars movie, directed by JJ Abrams, could use Ireland as a location. “Star Wars to film in the Burren in 2014″, read a more-or-less typical headline in the Clare People.

Sadly, it appears the reports are without foundation. (For the moment, at least.)

The production will be based at Britain’s Pinewood Studios. It’s likely – going by standard industry practice – that location scouts will be looking at nearby countries including Ireland, but also Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and so on.

Meanwhile the Irish Film Board have met with JJ Abrams’ production company Bad Robot… but only in a general capacity promoting Ireland as a location, with no specific meetings about Star Wars.

In short, they might film in Ireland, but at this stage it’s all speculation.

An IFB spokesperson said only:

The Irish Film Board and the US-Ireland alliance have met with Bad Robot with regard to pitching the benefits of Ireland as a film location, which include world class locations and production crew.

The speculation began after an interview with JJ Abrams in the Sunday World, in which he said he was “keen” to shoot scenes in Ireland, without giving any specific commitment.

Production is due to begin on the seventh Star Wars instalment next year. It is to be scripted by Michael Amdt.

We can only hope that things turn around. Who wouldn’t want Ireland to host poignant scenes like this?

nerdreactor.com

Ryan Tubridy and Joe Duffy to appear in Pat Shortt’s new film>

Helen Mirren continues her quest to be the Soundest Person Ever>