Do you remember where you were when you heard J.J. Abrams is directing the new Star Wars movie?
Above Image: George Lucas and J.J. Abrams talking
A few weeks ago the news came that new Star Wars movies are coming. Since then, there has been a lot of speculation who would be directing Star Wars Episode VII.
On Friday, StarWars.com released a statement confirming that J. J. Abrams will direct Star Wars VII, due in 2015.
Here’s the full statement:
“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.
“Abrams and his production company Bad Robot have a proven track record of blockbuster movies that feature complex action, heartfelt drama, iconic heroes and fantastic production values with such credits as Star Trek, Super 8, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, and this year’s Star Trek Into Darkness. Abrams has worked with Lucasfilm’s preeminent postproduction facilities, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, on all of the feature films he has directed, beginning with Mission: Impossible III. He also created or co-created such acclaimed television series as Felicity, Alias, Lost and Fringe.” – StarWars.com
There have been a lot of reactions to the news. Aside from the inevitable (and played out) lens flare jokes, most people are excited and happy about it.
To many, the debate about whether the new Star Wars movie would be good or bad is over. It’s like Star Trek 2009 was a resume for Star Wars.
One thing’s for sure. He is now the ultimate power in the galaxy of geekdom. Let’s hope he never makes Avengers 3. That’s too much power for one man to have.
What about you? How did you react to the news that J.J. Abrams is directing the new Star Wars movie?
[Image Source: Giant Freaking Robot]
Please use the buttons below to tell your friends about this post. Click on the links to follow us for free by Email, RSS and follow us on Twitter @thegeektwins
Related Posts
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="38550 ">9 Comments
So what happens to Star Trek then? There's no way he can do both at the same time.
Think I was at work…
I'm mixed. Rather he focused on Star Trek.
Hell yes I reacted. I think the film is in good hands.
I was on FB. I hope Star Trek doesn't suffer because of it. I just loved what he did with Star Trek. I don't want to lose Joss Whedon's perspective in geekdom either.
Theres no simple way to put this. J.J. is stepping back from Trek. He'll be great for Star Wars. I guess Star Trek's success was too good to be true.
Spacerguy, Abrams said he is still committed to Star Trek. He'll keep making it successful. http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2013/01/25/j-j-abrams-directing-star-wars-what-happens-to-star-trek/#/0
MPax, if we lost Whedon all is lost.
Rollo, he's the one director everyone agrees will do it justice.
Alex, I hope he's good at multi-tasking.