We told you last Thursday about the breaking news that J.J. Abrams would be directing the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII but that it hadn’t been officially announced. That official announcement came late Friday, so we have that for you, along with the answer to our most burning question.
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.
“It’s very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie,” said Kennedy. “J.J. is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise. He understands the essence of the Star Wars experience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture.”
George Lucas went on to say “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.”
“To be a part of the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, to collaborate with Kathy Kennedy and this remarkable group of people, is an absolute honor,” J.J. Abrams said. “I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid.”
J.J., his longtime producing partner Bryan Burk, and Bad Robot are on board to produce along with Kathleen Kennedy under the Disney | Lucasfilm banner.
Also consulting on the project are Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg. Kasdan has a long history with Lucasfilm, as screenwriter on The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Return of the Jedi. Kinberg was writer on Sherlock Holmes and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
But what about Star Trek? According to Hero Complex reports that Paramount Pictures Vice Chairman Rob Moore confirms that Abrams, who directed both Star Trek and the upcoming Star Trek Into Darkness, will at least be a producer on the third movie, presuming it will happen (and it had better, just saying) and may still even direct it. Moore confirmed that “J.J. will continue to develop projects for us including a new Mission: Impossible, and he is committed to produce another Star Trek.”
If you’re a fan of the rebooted Star Trek, you may now join me in a giant sigh of relief. HOW COOL IS IT GOING TO BE TO SEE THE BAD ROBOT LOGO ON STAR WARS?!
We will absolutely keep you posted.
