Ever since the announcement of the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII after the sale of Lucasfilm to Disney the speculation has been running rampant online on who would be taking the reins.
Even after his earlier statement of not taking over the franchise J.J. Abrams had been one of the most talked about, but seemed unlikely. Apparently someone got him with the Jedi mind trick to change his mind because Lucasfilm has officially announced him as the director of episode VII. With the official announcement of course came with official statements from numerous of those involved including head of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy who stated:
“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.”
While the company may be owned by Disney, we all know there is no Star Wars without George Lucas and there was no way he could go without letting everyone know his thoughts on this choice and was clearly in support stating:
“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.”
In addition Abrams who has openly stated his passion for the Star Wars property released his own thoughts on being selected stating:
"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."
While there is sure to be a whirlwind of discussion, love, admiration and arguments about the choice to the beloved property it seems numerous veterans of the series have come out in support of the decision. Abrams has displayed his ability to tell a great story and really deliver a high quality film with his various TV shows including Lost, Alias, and Fringe as well as films including Mission Impossible III, Star Trek, and Super 8. Can the man behind the successful re-launch of the rival franchise Star Trek and the upcoming Star Trek: Into Darkness step into a galaxy far, far away be the one to finally put the feud to rest and bring all the sci-fi fans together once and for all? Only time will tell, but the decision is made and as a hardcore fan couldn’t be happier, Abrams breathed new life into a once fading hope to Star Trek and his passion for Star Wars coupled with his great ability to tell a story is sure to be just the thing needed to not only keep the franchise alive but to take in new and exciting directions for fans old and new alike.
After years of believing the films were done we have taken one step closer to getting to take another journey into a galaxy far, far, away, so lock S-foils in attack position and get ready for a journey to get this film made that is sure to be more fun than shooting wamp rats in beggars cannon.
May the Force be with us all as we eagerly await 2015 for Star Wars Episode VII.
For more information head over to http://starwars.com/
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