No Bothans died to bring you these 'Stars Wars: Episode VII' leaks 

Star Wars Episode VII is still more than a year away, but the film is springing more leaks than a reactor core after a shoot-out in Detention Block AA-23.

More evidence is emerging that the movie’s Irish filming location of Skellig Michael is indeed the “inhospitable world” Luke Skywalker was either banished or self-exiled to for 30 years.

One of the big questions sparked by the movie has been Luke’s whereabouts, with many rumours circulating about his new life as a hermit somewhere far, far, away.

Newly leaked footage supports this theory, apparently revealing the Jedi’s refuge was not that far away after all, just a short boat trip off the coast of Kerry, as he is seen entering a weather-beaten Skellig cave.

The clip, believed to be the first actual footage from the film, was quickly deleted from YouTube.

However, a Walt Disney watermark was visible on the screen, adding to speculation that it was genuine.

This was reinforced by sightings of Mark Hamill, who played the young hero in the original Star Wars trilogy, on Skellig Michael this summer sporting a shaggy and unkempt beard.

The cast and crew remain tight-lipped about plotlines, however, with director JJ Abrams posting messages on set warning people not to disclose information about the highly anticipated update in the saga.

One of the posters reportedly pictured Darth Vader’s gloved hand on an Imperial officer with the words: “Loose lips bring down starships.”

Despite this, a number of concept images were also leaked online this month, some giving away major spoilers about Chewbacca, life on Tatooine, and newcomer Daisy Ridley’s character.

While production is ongoing, many actors, such as Harrison Ford, who returns as the roguish Han Solo, have already finished filming.

With a focus on large sets and practical effects as opposed to a reliance on computer graphics, many are hailing it as a welcome return to the methods used to make the original trilogy.

Star Wars: Episode VII is expected to be released in December of next year.