Though the oft-reliable fan websites, and also more studio-certified trade rags have reported on Harrison Ford’s return for “Star Wars Episode 7″ – the sequel many thought would never come to be – I think many of us, particularly since Ford’s always had a love-hate relationship with the “Wars”, won’t believe it until the man himself says it.

Well, he’s said it. Close enough, anyway.

In Chicago for a charity do, Ford was asked by WGNTV whether it’s true he’s going to be rejoining “the old gang” (Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill) for JJ Abrams’ new “Star Wars” instalment, and quite unexpectedly, voiced his excitement at the prospect of returning to the role that made his career and, though stating it’s “not in the bag” just yet, hinted it’s all coming together.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Ford said. “I think it’s going to happen.”

You can check out the interview here.

It’s going to be a big couple of years for Ford. Aside from his involvement in the new “Star Wars”, he’s a part of the Jackie Robinson biopic “42″, as well as the thriller “Paranoia” with young hot-shot Liam Hemsworth, the much-talked about “Ender’s Game”, and “Anchorman 2 : The Legend Continues”, which is out at Christmas.