NEW YORK – It appears the Force is still strong with Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher.

In an interview posted online Thursday, George Lucas said the trio from the original “Star Wars” trilogy will reprise their iconic roles of Hans Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia in the new “Star Wars” film.

Lucas told Bloomberg Businessweek that all three were signed for the new “Episode VII” film in advance of Lucasfilm’s $4 billion purchase by Disney.

“We had already signed Mark and Carrie and Harrison – or were pretty much in the final stages of negotiation,” Lucas said.

In an interview posted Wednesday with Florida’s Palm Beach Illustrated, Fisher said that she’ll be coming back as Princess Leia.

Disney’s Lucasfilm was coy in response. In a statement, a spokesperson for the company said, “George couldn’t say whether they were signed or not and neither can we. As Yoda said, ‘Always in motion is the future.’ Stay tuned.”

The Walt Disney Co. is producing a new “Star Wars” trilogy to take place after Lucas’ original three space epics. J.J. Abrams is directing the first film.

The 70-year-old Ford, the 61-year-old Hamill and the 56-year-old Fisher are expected to play smaller, supporting roles.

A representative for Ford declined to comment. Hamill’s representatives didn’t immediately return requests for comment.

Ringo gets a little help from exhibit

LOS ANGELES – The Grammy Museum will put up its third salute to a Beatle with the June 12 opening of “Ringo: Peace and Love,” billed as “the first major exhibition to explore the life of Ringo Starr.”

Museum officials have gathered previously unpublished photos, correspondence and film footage as well as iconic items from Starr’s career. Some of the notable artifacts include the drum kits he played when the Beatles performed historic concerts on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and at Shea Stadium in New York, his military-inspired costume from “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and the red jacket he wore on the group’s 1969 farewell concert on the rooftop of Abbey Road studio in London.

The exhibit also will have an interactive feature allowing visitors to take a virtual music lesson with the world’s most famous rock drummer. The show will touch on his activities as an actor, philanthropist and peace activist. “Ringo: Peace and Love” will run through November, and then tour select cities to be announced. Full information is available on the Grammy Museum’s website.

Olsen sister to star in ‘Romeo & Juliet’

NEW YORK – Elizabeth Olsen will soon be a star-crossed lover — she’ll star in an off-Broadway version of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet.”

Classic Stage Company said Thursday that the younger sister of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen will help kick off its 2013/2014 season.

The actress, who has gotten good notices for the films “Silent House” and “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” has just finished the Spike Lee-directed film “Old Boy” opposite Samuel L. Jackson and Josh Brolin.

Her other films include “Liberal Arts” opposite Josh Radnor and Zac Efron, and “Red Lights,” with Robert De Niro and Sigourney Weaver.