Disney Chief Alan Horn was interviewed today by The Hollywood Reporter and let slip in the interview above that they’d already begun shooting sequences for “Episode VII.”

He admits that casting has been difficult and isn’t even complete, but that hasn’t stopped them from moving ahead.

It makes sense that they’d obscure the fact that production has begun based on the last press release from the film, if nothing else just to avoid leaks, suspicion, and scrutiny. This news should help allay fears that the film won’t be done in time if work has been in motion already.

“Episode VII” hits theatres December 18, 2015.