JJ Abrams Can Work On STAR TREK 3 And Star Wars, Plus Read Disney’s Official Press Release
In the world of the final frontier, JJ Abrams isn’t going anywhere.
Variety is reporting that while the STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS director will not be able to direct STAR TREK 3 while taking on STAR WARS: EPISODE VII, he will still be on board as a producer.
Granted, while this may not be what many Trekkies might want from the man who brought back their beloved series to greatness, it is at least a little comforting to know that he’ll be in the mix in some way instead of not at all.
As for Abrams’ involvement in EPISODE VII, Disney has already issued a press release praising the man. The full release, which could be found below, also contains statements from producer Kathleen Kennedy, George Lucas, and Abrams himself.
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.
STAR WARS: EPISODE VII will be ready to blow your mind someone in 2015. Until then, catch STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS in theaters in only four months on May 17th, 2013.