Actor Adam Driver says it was surreal being cast in "Star Wars Episode VII" as he grew up watching the series.

The film is directed by J.J. Abrams and is slated for a release in December 2015.

The actor is reportedly signed up to play Darth Vader in the upcoming intergalactic adventure, reports contactmusic.com.

"You grew up watching something and then suddenly you're in the midst of all those characters with them talking to each other! You want to make R2-D2 noises and lightsaber whooshes - but nobody actually did," said Driver.

He will be joining cast members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker in the upcoming film.

Filming began in Abu Dhabi earlier this month and is then expected to continue at Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, England.