So, now I feel somehow calmed down. I mean with the part of EU being non-canon, or at least canon for just a few years.
Calmed too soon? Well, why not. Having read some of the articles regarding the actors and the enthusiasm, some of them show when talking in interviews or twittering, I feel that Episode VII might have a very big and impressive story.
Apart from the most recent news, one thing catches the attention: the role of Harrison Ford in Episode VII. Some say he has a major part there.
And... this brings us to a very old story, when Harrison Ford almost begged G.Lucas to "kill" Han Solo in Episode VI. I am glad this never happened... But for some reasons I feel it will in this particular Episode. Harrison Ford (as it seems) never truly enjoyed the fame around Han Solo. Somehow I believe he saw his character a bit different - Han Solo is more like a cowboy who is not truly interested in heroic reputation. He does have a sense of honor however and understanding of some things, which eventually keep him with all of our beloved characters aboard Millennium Falcon for three episodes... So who knows, who knows... Maybe they are making a worthy "retreat" for the old smuggler.
The other thing is that some minor characters (the fact being mentioned before slightly) might come back both from OT and the prequels. Unlikely, but characters like Mass Amedda and Orn Free Taa might have a glimpse in the background on Coruscant, as well as some others.
But to be serious - what about the Imperials? General Veers survived the battle of Hoth and Julian Glover is just one of actors you would more than welcome to come back to your favourite film. I am still under impression of his role in Ivanhoe among others, including the notable one in Indiana Jones.
However it would be unwise to bring all of the old cast into one movie at once. General Veers re-appearance might work better way in Episode VIII. And there is Episode IX in the farthest future as well...
One more thing is about Andy Serkis. I have a strong feeling, that this is a time for Obi Wan Kenobi's quote from Episode I: "Why do I get the feeling that we've picked up another pathetic life form?" What I mean is that Andy Serkis is a talented actor, which we all know for his role of Gollum in LOTR. And there are more. So I guess with the current level of digital tech, they might like to introduce a new alien. I thought of noghri, regarding Leia and Vader stuff, but it's more likely that we see a very unique species, previously unknown. We still have Chewbacca on the light side, so what if A.Serkis is to play an alien ally of the main antagonist?
This idea might work with any of all other actors: why should we believe, that they will be humans in Episode VII? We might not see their real faces at all! (and masks and hoodies are part of Star Wars traditions, we all know that)