There will be a female villain. Over 50% sure she’s a Sith. I’ll follow up on this in later weeks.
Despite having 30 Years after Jedi to set one up, there is NO New Republic at the start of Episode VII.
Boba-Fett-similar armor is around. Probably not for the man himself. Mandalorians? Clone drama? Still unclear on a plot/character connection.
John Boyega isn’t a Jedi or a Padawan at the beginning of the movie, he’s the one that has the story arc that brings him into Star Wars’ greater universe. It has echoes of Luke’s arc in A New Hope.
Another source, actor Simon Pegg, previously seen in JJ Abram’s ‘Star Trek’ series and ‘Mission Impossible 3’, is in fact playing a secret role in the film and was present on set to shoot scenes in Abu Dhabi. This is in stark contrast to what Pegg had to say about a possibility of starring in Star Wars previously:
“I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to be in it, to be honest. I think J.J. should cast new faces with no stunt casting.”
Whether he changed his mind or this was a ruse all along, the fact is that Pegg may have an unannounced cameo or role in the film that we don’t know about just yet.