'Star Wars' director J.J. Abrams has cast Carrie Fisher's daughter in the upcoming 'Star Wars: Episode VII' to play a younger version of her character Princess Leia.

Carrie Fisher's daughter has been cast in 'Star Wars: Episode VII'.

The 57-year-old actress reprises her role as Princess Leia in the upcoming latest instalment of the sci-fi series, which is currently being filmed at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, southeast England.

And although her daughter Billie Lourd is a relative unknown, director J.J. Abrams is said to have chosen her to play a young version of her mother's character because of their visual similarities.

'Carrie backed the move as she wanted somebody in her family to play her most famous role.

Meanwhile, Abrams has also created walk-on parts for his father Gerald and father-in law James H. McGrath Jr., who both appeared in 'Star Trek' under his direction.