Kathleen Kennedy confirms J.J. Abrams as 'Star Wars: Episode VII' director

Walt Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm have now officially confirmed what the rest of the geek nation has known for a couple of days. On Friday, new Lucasfilm commander in chief, Kathleen Kennedy made it public -- "Lost" creator J.J. Abrams will "Star Wars: Episode VII", the first movie in a new sequel trilogy.

Also on Friday, Paramount announced that it was very likely Abrams would continue to serve as producer for at least one more "Star Trek" movie. In addition, he's also likely to remain as producer for the next "Mission: Impossible" movie after directing "Mission: Impossible III" and serving as producer on "Ghost Protocol".

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Taking on the task of returning "Star Wars" to the big screen comes with an unbelievable amount of pressure. Abrams, a self-professed life long "Star Wars" nerd, has never been shy about his love for the galaxy far, far away but just a couple of months ago seemed very reluctant to take the reigns of the new trilogy. After all, the prequels ("Phantom Menace", "Attack of the Clones" and "Revenge of the Sith") were widely panned by fans and critics who felt it failed to capture the magic of the originals. There is sure to be a lot more scrutiny this time around, especially considering it is supposed to feature fan favorites Luke, Han and Leia.

Abrams, known for "Lost" and "Alias" on TV as well as directing "Super 8" in 2011, is sure to bring rich characters, deep mystery and intrigue as well as a strong sense of family in times of great despair. Expect his long time composer, Academy Award winner Michael Giacchino, to take over the iconic score. Giacchino already scores the music for the updated version of the Star Tours ride at both Disneyland and Disney World.

Read the official press release:

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.

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