'Star Wars' is most anticipated movie of 2015, survey says

In this image released by Disney, a scene is shown... — In this image released by Disney, a scene is shown from the upcoming film, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," expected in theaters on Dec. 18, 2015. Credit: AP / LucasFilm

January 1, 2015

The Force is with moviegoers.

"Star Wars: Episode VII -- The Force Awakens" is the most anticipated movie of 2015, according to a Fandango survey, The Los Angeles Times reports.

The nation's largest movie ticket company said this week that the upcoming franchise blockbuster was selected as the top "fan pick" by more than 1,000 people surveyed.

The J.J. Abrams-directed film takes place 30 years after the events of "Return of the Jedi." It's a new beginning for the franchise, created by George Lucas, who sold his Lucasfilm empire to Disney in 2012 for about $4 billion.

Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford reprise their roles as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo. Cast newcomers include Adam Driver, of "Girls," and Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o.

The film will hit theaters Dec. 18.

Superhero film "Avengers: Age of Ultron," which debuts May 1, was voted the second most anticipated movie.

The Marvel film follows Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) as they battle against Ultron (James Spader).

In third place, fans picked "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part 2," the final installment of Lionsgate's young adult franchise starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson.

"Fifty Shades of Grey," based on the erotic romance novel by E.L. James, was fourth, followed by "Jurassic World." Meanwhile, "Minions" was the No. 1 anticipated family film for next year.