IT’S OFFICIAL: J.J. Abrams to direct ‘Star Wars VII’

J.J. Abrams, geekmeister extraordinaire, is reportedly set to direct the next 'Star Wars' sequel
J.J. Abrams, geekmeister extraordinaire, is reportedly set to direct the next ‘Star Wars’ sequel

Galaxies collide as the man who reinvented Star Trek will helm at least the first in a new Star Wars trilogy.

After reports from several entertainment websites broke the news a few days ago, Lucasfilm made it official Friday by announcing that J.J. Abrams, the present director god of geekdom, will direct Star Trek VII. Here’s what they had to say:

After a bevy of emails and phone calls, the formalities have been wrapped up, and at long last everyone can exhale and properly share the word with an excited Internet. Yes, J.J. Abrams will direct Star Wars: Episode VII, the first of a new series of Star Wars films to come from Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy. Abrams will be directing and Academy Award-winning writer Michael Arndt will write the screenplay.

Abrams’ man-at-arms producing partner, Bryan Burk, is also coming on board along with Bad Robot. The official statement went on to include a quote from George Lucas, who heaped praise upon Abrams.

“I’ve consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller. He’s an ideal choice to direct the new Star Wars film and the legacy couldn’t be in better hands.”

Lawrence Kasdan, who co-wrote Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, has also been enlisted to serve as a consultant. Not clear exactly what that means, but seems like its been done to assure fans that all of the best minds are working on this film.

I’m not quite certain how I feel about this idea at this point. Abrams is a talented filmmaker, despite his obsession with lens flares, and would no doubt produce a highly entertaining Star Wars movie. But… I’m a Star Trek fan. He’s already taken hold of that franchise, which is fine, too. But I suppose I would have been more intrigued if another director was helming this picture. I don’t need the same guy masterminding both of the franchises I hold so dear.

What do you guys think? Is Abrams the right choice for the gig?


Comments

2 responses to “IT’S OFFICIAL: J.J. Abrams to direct ‘Star Wars VII’”

  1. I think your ambivalence towards the decision is telling, no? I find myself actually surprised that Disney would risk possibly blending the two franchises and not finding someone who could provide a unique vision.

    On a positive note, perhaps we will begin to see clever mashed-up titles for Star Wars VII as we saw with The Dark Knight Rises and Star Trek into Darkness.

    1. Michael Sheridan Avatar
      Michael Sheridan

      I think Abrams will make a very entertaining Star Wars film, don’t get me wrong. I just would rather have seen someone different. I actually have one person I think would have been a better choice, but I’ll have to think about it for a bit.

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