'They love working with each other': Tom Cruise 'meets with JJ Abrams to discuss making a cameo appearance in Star Wars Episode VII'



Tom Cruise could be set to make a cameo appearance in Star Wars: Episode VII.

The 51-year-old actor is close friends with the film's director J.J. Abrams - who helmed Mission: Impossible III - and the pair reportedly met over the weekend to discuss a role for the A-lister.

A source told The Sun newspaper: 'Tom has been in London for over a week and met up with J.J. and some other people from Star Wars at the weekend.

Big name signing: Tom Cruise could be set to make a cameo appearance in Star Wars: Episode VII, according to new reports

'On Saturday evening five of them met up for dinner and drinks at the Belgravia Hotel. J.J. loves working with Tom whenever he gets the chance.'

The sci-fi production could use some star power after leading actor Harrison Ford, who reprises his role as Han Solo from the original trilogy, was rushed into surgery last week following a freak accident on set.

The 71-year-old actor is recuperating after breaking his leg and won't be available to film for several months.

New challenge: The 51-year-old actor is close friends with the film's director J.J. Abrams - who helmed Mission: Impossible III - and the pair reportedly met over the weekend to discuss a role for the A-lister

The source added: 'Losing Harrison is going to set things back a little scheduling wise and there's some time to play around with.'

Cruise recently starred in a sci-fi summer blockbuster Edge of Tomorrow, which earned critical acclaim, and is next set to film the fifth instalment of the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise.

Star Wars is currently filming at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England.



This weekend, Deadline reported that Lucasfilm is making deal with Rian Johnson - the writer and director of the sci-fi movie Looper - to take the helm of Star Wars Episodes VIII and IX, the next two movies in the franchise.

In safe hands: Star Wars Episodes VIII and IX 'to be directed by Looper's Rian Johnson' - seen here in February last year - as JJ Abrams prepares to 'hand over the baton'

The site claims that Rian, 40 - who won awards for his debut feature, Brick in 2005 - will be taking over the reigns of the franchise from JJ Abrams.



It follows the news that there is already spin-off of the franchise in the words, with director Josh Trank to take the helm.



The acclaimed Chronicle director was hired by Disney and Lucasfilm to oversee one of the upcoming standalone films that will accompany the new Star Wars trilogy.



May the Ford be with you: Meanwhile, filming for Star Wars: Episode VII recently suffered a blow after Harrison - seen here with JJ Abrams this month in London - was airlifted to hospital following a broken leg

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy added: 'We're thrilled to welcome Josh into the family. He is such an incredible talent and has a great imagination and sense of innovation.'

'That makes him perfectly suited to Star Wars, and for this new slate of movies that reach beyond the core characters and storylines of Episodes I through IX.'



Disney announced it will produce several standalone 'Star Wars' films focusing on popular characters from the sci-fi franchise.



Production under way: JJ Abrams was seen conducting a cast reading for Star Wars: Episode VII at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire in April this yuear

The new trilogy will begin with 'Episode VII' next year, followed by new instalments in 2017 and 2019.

Meanwhile, the standalone films are currently scheduled for release in 2016 and 2018.



Godzilla director Gareth Edwards has also been hired to direct one of the spin-offs.



Trank is currently working on a reboot of superhero movie 'The Fantastic Four', which is due for release in 2015.



Filming for Star Wars: Episode VII recently suffered a blow after Harrison Ford was airlifted to hospital following a broken leg.



Harrison's representative said in a statement: 'Harrison Ford's left leg was broken in an accident. His surgery was successful and he will begin rehab shortly.



'He's doing well and looks forward to returning to work.' ram alongside a snapshot of the Star Wars logo on Monday. 'I'm going to a galaxy far far away.'

Addition: Oscar winning star Lupita Nyong'o and Game Of Thrones actress Gwendoline Christie have been the most recent names to join the cast





