The rivalry between Star Trek and Star Wars just got a common ally. The Wrap is reporting that J.J. Abrams, creator of the cult hit T.V. show, Lost and reviver of Star Trek movie franchise has just been tapped to direct Star Wars: Episode VII.
This is the latest news since Disney announced in October 2012 that they were acquiring Lucasfilm. Disney finalized the purchase in December 2012 and George Lucas, creator of Star Wars and head of the company, received a 2.21-billon dollar settlement and 37.1 million Disney shares. The seventh installment of the film franchise will be released in 2015 and Michael Arndt is attached to write.
Today’s news is surprising because fans of both of the franchises typically don’t mix. Diehard fans of Captain Kirk and Captain Picard get into fights about which of the men led the Enterprise the best on Star Trek much less about which is the better space saga. What’s going to happen when Star Wars meets Star Trek? Will the nerd feud finally be over? Will there be a crossover film? Will J.J. Abrams be the one to bring peace to the universe? These are all questions that remain to be answered but if you’re judging by twitterverse, the reaction is mixed.
Some fans are ecstatic about the news and expressed hope for the future of the two franchises.
@CheekyChristie wrote, “I can’t wait to see Star Trek and Star Wars. I could wet myself with excitement!”
While others feel like some cardinal nerd rule has been broken.
@emmdib wrote, “The same man directing Star Trek and Star Wars? Isn't that like...crossing the nerd streams? Something's going to implode.”
Of course @emmdib got a third nerd reference in to the Ghostbusters franchise with the streams crossing comment but the sentiment remains the same. Some fans are really angry that their feud that has been going on since the late 70’s with the entrance of Star Wars into a completely Star Trek dominated universe is now ending. Tweets about Abrams being "greedy" and the crossing of the two franchises being “wrong” were posted numerous times by several tweeters. Only a few were eager about a possible crossover.
@BretCalvert tweeted, “The same guy gonna be in charge of Star Trek and Star Wars? I smell a crossover! I can’t wait to see Darth Maul fight a tribble.
Whatever you think about J.J. Abrams directing both Star Wars and Star Trek, it can’t be anymore sacrilegious than Disney owning both Marvel Entertainment and Lucasfilm. Nerds, whether you like it are not, you’re all getting together for one big family reunion and all of the comic book fans, fairytale fans, trekies and jedis will be in attendance. So play nice.
@JohnPaulKarliak summed it up best:
“In perhaps the greatest peacemaking move since Clinton lead talks in Oslo, J.J. Abrams is directing Star Trek and Star Wars.”
So to all of the nerds, live long and prosper and may the force be with you.
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