Kasdan, who has been serving as a consultant on "Episode VII," bridges the new "Star Wars" films with the old: He co-wrote "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi," working from George Lucas' story.
Kasdan and Abrams will be taking over form Oscar-winning screenwriter Michael Arndt. "Michael Arndt has done a terrific job bringing us to this point and we have an amazing filmmaking and design team in place prepping production," said Kennedy.
Kasdan joins John Williams, who will score the film, as an original trilogy alum who is returning to the franchise.
Shooting is expected to begin in spring 2014 at the Pinewood Studios in London, with an expected 2015 release.