![J.J. Abrams reported to direct "Star Wars: Episode VII." The director previously said, although a fan, he would not take on the project.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/17/04/17041140515d7d2cb0e3a2b655555376.jpg?itok=M6_gPtfw "J.J. Abrams reported to direct "Star Wars: Episode VII." The director previously said, although a fan, he would not take on the project.")
“Star Trek” director J.J. Abrams may soon set off to explore a new science-fiction universe. Abrams will reportedly helm “Star Wars: Episode VII,” a production insider told The Wrap in an exclusive published Jan. 24.
The Wrap was unable to officially confirm the director's involvement with “Episode VII” with Lucasfilm, Abrams' rep or Bad Robot, Abrams' production company. StarWars.com, the official news source for the film, has not made any formal announcements as of this writing.
That said, Deadline and the L.A. Times also report Abrams will direct the new “Star Wars” film, citing their own inside sources.
Abrams has been a frontrunner on the list of possible directors for “Episode VII” since the Walt Disney Co. announced its acquisition of Lucasfilm and its intention to produce more “Star Wars” films.
Abrams himself has acknowledged he'd been approached for “Star Wars: Episode VII.” Abrams told Entertainment Weekly in November that although he considers himself a fan of “Star Wars,” his next project would be something original.
If the Abrams does direct “Star Wars: Episode VII,” he will bring to the project his experience both with handling complex mythologies and re-invigorating franchises.
As a writer and television producer, Abrams' credits include “Alias,” “Lost,” and “Fringe,” As a screenwriter and film director, he is responsible for “Mission: Impossible III” and “Super 8.”
Abrams has further earned the respect of science-fiction fans for producing and directing 2009’s “Star Trek" as well as “Star Trek Into Darkness,” its much-anticipated sequel. The sequel is currently in post-production and scheduled for a May 17 release.
“Star Wars: Episode VII” is slated for a 2015 release, part of Disney’s planned “Star Wars” trilogy. Michael Arndt, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Toy Story 3,” will write the screenplay.
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