Massive, massive news today kids: Apparently it’s J.J. Abrams’ world, and we’re just living in it. J.J. Abrams, the Bad Robot man, who has created or shepherded nerd heaven in the forms of ALIAS, FELICITY, LOST, FRINGE, REVOLUTION, PERSON OF INTEREST, ALCATRAZ, UNDERCOVERS, CLOVERFIELD, SUPER 8, STAR TREK, the upcoming STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: III, and GHOST PROTOCOL, is now in charge of bringing STAR WARS EPISODE VII to the big screen.
Back in November, Abrams was one of many people to be flattered by the idea of directing the film, but politely declined. This is what he had to say:
“Look, Star Wars is one of my favorite movies of all time. I frankly feel that – I almost feel that, in a weird way, the opportunity for whomever it is to direct that movie, it comes with the burden of being that kind of iconic movie and series. I was never a big Star Trek fan growing up, so for me, working on Star Trek didn’t have any of that, you know, almost fatal sacrilege, and so, I am looking forward more then anyone to the next iterations of Star Wars, but I believe I will be going as a paying moviegoer!”
Looks like Kathleen Kennedy got him to change his mind, as she had been “courting” Abrams for a while. He just could not say no. If he pulls it off, there’s no question that Abrams will be the hottest man in Hollywood and even more of a messiah for the geeks of the world as a whole.
While it’s a boon for STAR WARS fans, it’s certainly a hindrance to STAR TREK fans, although I certainly doubt that Abrams wants to do a third one. We’ll certainly find out what comes of the franchise soon, or after the release of STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS in May.
The new Star Wars is planned for a 2015 release, with LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE writer Michael Arndt hard at work on the script.
