Movie veteran Harrison Ford has undergone surgery to treat a broken leg following an accident on the set of the new Star Wars film.

The 71-year-old actor was believed to have fractured his ankle during filming at Pinewood Studios in England last week (12Jun14), when his foot was crushed by the door of the Millennium Falcon, the spacecraft which his character Hans Solo pilots.

However, his publicist has since revealed the injury is worse than previously reported, but he is recovering well after surgery.

A statement released by his representative Ina Treciokas reads: "His surgery was successful and he will begin rehab shortly.

"He's doing well and looks forward to returning to work."

Reports suggest Ford's broken leg will keep him out of action for up to eight weeks.

Shooting on Star Wars: Episode Vii has continued in his absence and the film is still expected to hit movie theatres in December, 2015.