One of the most high profile directing gigs in Hollywood seems to have been filled as the news is circulating that J.J. Abrams will be helming Disney’s ‘Star Wars Episode VII!’
Although unofficial, the news comes courtesy of The Wrap who cite their source as “an individual with knowledge of the production’ with confirmation, it seems, from Deadline who states “a source with knowledge of the situation’ has said, ‘It’s a done deal with J.J.”
Many directors were on the short list for this position including Guillermo del Toro, Ben Affleck, David Fincher and Matthew Vaughn, but Kathleen Kennedy (head of the Lucasfilm division) has always wanted Abrams to direct the next installment in the franchise. Back in December, Abrams had refuted rumors about directing ‘Star Wars VII’ saying in an interview:
“There were the very early conversations and I quickly said [no] because of my loyalty to Star Trek, and also just being a fan … I’d rather be in the audience not knowing what was coming rather than being involved in the minutiae of making them.”
Obviously something changed his mind and fandom is excited about the news!
What this will mean to his involvement with Paramount and ‘Star Trek’ is unknown but once the news becomes official, the director will be jumping from finishing post-production on ‘Star Trek into Darkness’ to getting the ball rolling for ‘Star Wars VII.’
Currently Michael Arndt is working on the script so it will be very interesting to see how these two men will continue with the ‘Star Wars’ saga.
We’ll keep you updated as reports of this news come in, but for now, what do you think? Is Abrams the right man to deal with the Force?
