The return of Star Wars romance, 35 years on

Princess Leia and Han Solo first locked lips on screen 35-years-ago, now the trailer for a new Star Wars film hints they will be back in each others arms.

The moment Princess Leia and Han Solo locked lips for the first time 35-years-ago is remembered by many.

Now the latest trailer for along-awaited seventh film in the Star Wars saga suggests they will soon be back in each others arms.

A fleeting shot gave the first glimpse of 58-year-old Carrie Fisher - who last appeared as Princess Leia in Return of the Jedi three decades ago - locked in an embrace with Harrison Ford, 73.

But much of the excitement focused on the British actor John Boyega, 23, who features extensively in the two-minute clip for Stars Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.

Born and raised in Peckham, the son of Nigerian immigrants was best known until now for his film debut in the 2011 horror-comedy Attack of the Block, where he played the leader of a gang terrorising a South London council estate.

He has previously said his biggest challenge is not to do "urban movies" for the rest of his life.

His wish appears to have been granted by director JJ Abrams, who has cast him alongside another young rising British star, 23-year-old Daisy Ridley.

Fans pointed out that one major absence from the trailer was Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker, who will appear in the film, but has not been seen in any promotional material.

The Force Awakens does not open in New Zealand until December 17, but tickets went on sale this week - with demand from fans crashing cinema websites.

- Daily Mail