Fresh from my favorite source of Disney news: J.J. Abrams has been officially confirmed as the director of Star Wars: Episode VII!
Star Wars: Episode VII –aka Star Wars Episode 7 –is the first of a new series of Star Wars movies to come from Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennenedy. Also exciting is the news that Michael Arndt, an Oscar-winning writer, 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.
I don’t have any additional news on Star Wars: Episode VII at the moment, but when I do, you’ll all be the first people I share it with!
Kathleen says
Wow! I had heard that Disney was going to do the Star Wars movies going forward, but I didn’t know there was a movie planned right NOW! I didn’t expect to find Star Wars information here but I’m thrilled to read about it 🙂
Kathleen says
Also, I didn’t intend for that last sentence to sound rude. I love that you write about movies here, too!
Marybeth Hamilton says
No worries, Kathleen–I didn’t think it was rude at all. I’m so happy you like the entertainment news 🙂
Tom M says
I think JJ will do a good job on the newest Star Wars movie, but I don’t think anything can stand up to the originals.
Marybeth Hamilton says
Tom, I love the passion of Star Wars fans! I’m betting you can’t wait to see it even with your ideas about how it’s going to end up 🙂 Thanks for your comment!
Sunny SantMar says
I didn’t see the “original” three Star Wars movies until I was a teenager. At that time, the next 3 were being released and I didn’t understand the crazy hype of it all. Now that I’ve watched all six movies more than once with my husband I totally get the draw! I’m excited to see what a new director does with the story and how the actual movie will look.
Thanks for writing about this! Like Kathleen, I was surprised but excited to see you writing about Star Wars! If you get more information I want to hear about it!
Marybeth Hamilton says
Sunny,
Thanks for your comment and I’m glad you like reading about movies here! I love writing about things that appeal to readers, not just your babies or someone you’re shopping for 🙂
I promise I’ll keep sharing information as I get it.