Star Wars 7: JJ Abrams offers fans chance to play character in new movie

One lucky winner of the Force for Change campaign could be joining the cast

The Episode VII cast during a read-through at Pinewood Studios. (clockwise from top center right) Writer/Director/Producer J.J Abrams, Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Producer Bryan Burk, Lucasfilm President and Producer Kathleen (David James/Lucasfilm)

Dedicated fans of Star Wars, your moment has arrived. Director JJ Abrams is offering the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play a character in an Episode VII scene.

The chosen winner plus guest will be flown to London and given accommodation, before a backstage tour of Pinewood Studios, a meeting with the cast and the opportunity to get in front of the camera.

Abrams explained during a video, recorded from current shooting location Abu Dhabi, that fans must donate $10 (£6) or more to new Unicef campaign Star Wars: Force for Change to be in with a shot.

“The Star Wars fans are some of the most passionate and committed folks around the globe,” said Abrams. “We’re thrilled to offer a chance to come behind the scenes as our VIP guests and be in Star Wars: Episode VII.

“We’re even more excited that by participating in this campaign, Star Wars fans will be helping children around the world through our collaboration with Unicef Innovation Labs and projects.”

The competition closes on 18 July and, just in case anyone is planning on being super keen, there are a maximum of 10,000 entries per person.

Fans who fail to score the grand prize might also win memorabilia such as T-shirts, posters, signed scripts, lightsaber hilts and advance screening tickets.

Abrams’ next instalment in the hit sci-fi franchise is due in cinemas in December 2015.