Mark Hamill is getting in shape to return to his role as Jedi knight Luke Skywalker in the forthcoming Star Wars: Episode VII, according to his friend Robert Englund.

The Nightmare on Elm Street actor, who is credited with inspiring Hamill to try out for the role in 1977's Star Wars, said the new Skywalker would be fighting fit when director JJ Abrams begins shooting early next year in London.

"They've got Mark in the gym," said Englund, who played horror icon Freddie Krueger in multiple Nightmare on Elm Street films. "Because Mark's coming back as Luke Skywalker. They've got him doing his sit-ups."

Speaking at the Nashville Comic Expo, in comments first reported by ComicBook.com, Englund recalled his own small part in bringing his then housemate to the attention of Star Wars creator George Lucas. "I got to read for Han Solo in Star Wars," he explained. "Well, I didn't get the part because I was too young. But while I was there, I read the descriptions of the other characters.

"Mark was on my couch with a Heineken in one hand and a slab of cold pizza in the other. So, I said, 'Mark, I think you might be right for this Luke Skywalker'. He got on the phone and the rest was history."

Original Star Wars heroes: from left, Jedi knight Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford). Photograph: image.net

The news that Hamill, 61, will be back in shape for the role which made his name may come as some relief to fans of the series, who have been vocal over their concerns that the actor is less battle-ready than he once was. There have been tabloid rumours that Carrie Fisher, 56, who is set to return as Princess Leia, has also been asked to get into shape. Harrison Ford, who played Han Solo, is the third member of the iconic trio from the original trilogy (episodes IV-VI in George Lucas's extended saga) expected to return in Episode VII, which is set to hit cinemas in 2015.