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Whoa - J.J. Abrams is Officially Directing New 'Star Wars: Episode VII'
by Alex Billington
January 24, 2013
Source: The Wrap
Star Wars. And Star Trek. Can one man really tackle both franchises? Apparently Lucasfilm thinks so. Word from The Wrap is that apparently it's official that J.J. Abrams is directing the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII. There aren't too many other details about the news besides that he is the director they've apparently lined up, and I'm guessing with this now leaked, we'll be hearing official confirmation and a lot more from Lucasfilm, George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy. Here's the other big detail: Ben Affleck was also in contention, but obviously didn't get the job. I almost can't believe he's actually directing this movie.
The Wrap's report only states that the news has come from "an individual with knowledge of the production told TheWrap." From what we've heard, this isn't a joke, this isn't an early leak or speculation, this is official. J.J. Abrams is directing the newest movie in the Star Wars series that continues after Return of the Jedi. From here, things will get very exciting, with endless discussions about whether or not he's right for the job, whether or not he can handle the two massive Star franchises and what will happen from here. For now, we know for sure that it's definitely J.J. But will there be lens flares? What do you make of this?
129 Comments
1
Paramount HAS to be pissed. That's a ton of press coverage for Star Trek: Into Darkness they're about to lose.
the_situasian on Jan 24, 2013
2
I'm just a simple internet commenter but... won't this draw significantly more attention to ST2? It'll be in the news that the same director will be in charge of both, and every reporter will be asking him about this. It'll be name-dropped constantly.
OfficialJab on Jan 24, 2013
3
I have to say that this could be a BIG thing for Star Trek 2.
capitandelespacio on Jan 24, 2013
4
sweet! Its gonna be AMAZING!
yesyes on Jan 24, 2013
5
It's gonna be great.
capitandelespacio on Jan 25, 2013
6
Get ready for some lightsaber lens flares
HB on Jan 24, 2013
7
And force lightning lens flares and droid metal shine lens flares and Jawas eyes lens flares ect. ect. Also don't forget the characters are all going to be hectic,fast talking and always running and there's going to be a geek/nerd/fat kid with a crush on the princess. I'm I forgeting something? Oh yes...there's going to be a big tease through out the movie with a big emotional payoff at the end.
moar lenz flaresz on Jan 24, 2013
8
Hmm, pretty sure that you've just described movies. "big tease... with emotional payoff at the end." The end does tend to be the place for that sort of thing.
blargh on Jan 24, 2013
9
"What's in the box ?!!"
Prad Bitt on Jan 24, 2013
10
R2D2 did have a cameo in Star Trek though.....
cinemabandit on Jan 24, 2013
11
That'll come in handy for the crossover. Now if you'll excuse me, I just gave myself a nosebleed.
OfficialJab on Jan 24, 2013
12
I'll still take it with a grain of salt until is IS official. I mean, of course they're gonna say its an official thing when they "get the scoop" on something. That said.... EFF YES.
Chazzy on Jan 24, 2013
13
YES YES
OfficialJab on Jan 24, 2013
14
Star Wars: Now with more Lens Flare!!!! Seriously though, I think I need to go change my underwear. Nerdgasm!
Rob Viens on Jan 24, 2013
15
This is awesome news!!Now Affleck can concentrate on directing the Justice League.
jah p on Jan 24, 2013
16
Good lord. I could have sworn he announced he wasn't going to do it and that he was wrapped up in the Trek universe. Wow
Everman on Jan 24, 2013
17
And I guess I forgot to add... HOT DAMN!!! Let's get the camp out started!!!
Everman on Jan 24, 2013
18
It probably isn't a matter of what changed his mind as it was that he just couldn't say anything back in November for a number of reasons. The contract wasn't finalized, Disney's acquistion of Lucasfilm wasn't complete etc. In other words he knew he was going to do it back then he just couldn't say so
The Truth on Jan 24, 2013
19
Probably just another rumor... like the Zack Snyder one. But if this turns out to be true... YES YES YES! Abrams is one of the few directors whose work is always exciting and entertaining. As I fan, I'm sure he would take Star Wars in a new direction while having the proper respect for what has come before.
John on Jan 24, 2013
20
He also has a key opportunity to help rebuild what the new world will look like. The Empire has fallen (as far as we know) and now there's a change in scenery. What planets will be spend our time on? What will the costumes look like? What will the technology look like? Exciting stuff IMHO!!!
PBGray on Jan 25, 2013
21
he is also an avid fan of the books so he would know just how to present all of this without getting crucified...
Jericho on Jan 25, 2013
22
All great news. I can't wait to see this production unfold. Casting will be very interesting, I'm sure.
PBGray on Jan 25, 2013
23
wait so does this mean no more John Williams scoring and instead we get Michael Giacchino scoring the SW Sequels??!!
Monal Valia on Jan 24, 2013
25
BWWWOOOOOOOOMMMMMM! BWWWOOOOOOOMMMMMM!
Thexn on Jan 24, 2013
26
Yes.
capitandelespacio on Jan 25, 2013
28
whoa!!!!!
THEBATMAN on Jan 24, 2013
29
Finally there is a director attached to the project. The tension started to build up to alarming levels. As for the choice, it would be interesting to see how JJ will handle it, being that he is also at the helm of Star Trek. Oh, and I hope this is not a rumor, this shit is not good for my health. Ok, I'm exaggerating a bit but I don't care.
Isildur_of_Numenor on Jan 24, 2013
30
I hear you on that. Hopefully it's true, or it could be like the Zack Snyder rumor....we'll have to wait on that. But don't let the suspense ruin your health, man! It isn't worth it! 😉
Scopedog on Jan 24, 2013
31
I'm on top of it, just tired of rumors. 🙂 This sounds like the real deal, from here on out it should be some interesting couple of years until its release.
Isildur_of_Numenor on Jan 25, 2013
33
It's funny how that's by far the most common criticism of his work, and I'd bet most people wouldn't have even noticed them (or even known what they were) without the few people who did, and popularized it. Also, they're awesome.
OfficialJab on Jan 24, 2013
34
No.
Prad Bitt on Jan 24, 2013
35
Yes they are.
capitandelespacio on Jan 24, 2013
36
No.
Prad Bitt on Jan 24, 2013
37
😉 you are cute.
capitandelespacio on Jan 24, 2013
38
No.
Prad Bitt on Jan 24, 2013
39
No.
Thexn on Jan 24, 2013
40
You can't be serious. They stand out like dog's balls.
castingcouch on Jan 25, 2013
41
You only see dogs balls if you are looking for them
David Banner on Jan 26, 2013
42
I am a little surprised by this announcement. My only concern is how is going to be able to manage for both franchises ? Does this mean that he now gives up directing subsequent ST movies ?
Tester on Jan 24, 2013
43
Doubtful. If that was an issue they probably wouldn't have hired him for SW in the first place.
OfficialJab on Jan 24, 2013
44
Really? I found it to be extremely character-oriented, to the point where the plot was totally backseated for the sake of the characters and how they changed over a short time.
OfficialJab on Jan 24, 2013
45
I liked his take on Trek, but....well, not everyone did. It certainly had a helluva lot of character development, though, and was an exciting film. As for this...well, great for J.J.! He's more of a SW fan, so this has got to be a dream come true.
Scopedog on Jan 24, 2013
46
I didn't say it had no character development. I said the character development was garbage.
Paul K. on Jan 24, 2013
47
Extremely subjective, I'd say... but this move was destined to ruin many people's day. Just about as many people as it excited, probably.
OfficialJab on Jan 24, 2013
48
Indeed, it's only my opinion 🙂
Paul K. on Jan 24, 2013
49
Lightsabers with lens flares!
capitandelespacio on Jan 24, 2013
50
lmao
Wafffles on Jan 24, 2013
53
Can't hit your opponent due to lack of skill? Now you can blind them just buy turning your weapon on! (Oh, and the audience too.)
Thexn on Jan 24, 2013
54
It's gonna be great.
capitandelespacio on Jan 25, 2013
55
Bring your sunglasses so you can see the movie!
Thexn on Jan 25, 2013
56
Guillermo del Toro should be doing this, imho.
zspang on Jan 24, 2013
58
The only disappointment that I'm feeling from this is that I'd like a director who prizes practical effects over almost anything else. Most directors, like JJ, will say that they love real sets/makeup/miniature shots, but wimp out when it gets too big or complicated. He's got Disney's checkbook behind him now, so I hope they go full on with the real, physical filmmaking. READ THIS JJ ABRAMS
OfficialJab on Jan 24, 2013
59
"READ THIS JJ ABRAMS" Now you damned well know that he's not going to do that! .But in all seriousness, he just may go more practical. We'll see.
Scopedog on Jan 24, 2013
60
I agree to a point. But there are some things that just can't be done practically. Fortunately visual effects (if done properly) can depict things that could never be physically built. I actually think that Abrams' has proved he can handle this. Star Trek looked great and seemed to have a good blend of practical and digital effects work. Same with M:I:III and Super 8.
John on Jan 25, 2013
61
Let's hope that actually JJ doesn't care about the events of the prequels and he just makes like those awfull movies never existed.
capitandelespacio on Jan 24, 2013
62
Didn't SLJ say that he wanted Mace Windu to return somehow? If that was the only tie-in I'd buy it no matter how they explained it.
OfficialJab on Jan 24, 2013
63
I will say just this: JJ you are our only hope.
capitandelespacio on Jan 24, 2013
64
Okay...now this got interesting.
Xerxexx on Jan 24, 2013
65
1,000 Republic credits says I know who's scoring it:P
RidgeRacer4 on Jan 24, 2013
66
Not john Williams which is going to immediately diminish the quality and authenticity of these movies
Geoffrey Shauger on Jan 24, 2013
67
New generation of films and filmmakers needs a new generation of film music. Love Williams to death but like Lucas stepping down, we need new blood and again I got no problem with Michael.
RidgeRacer4 on Jan 25, 2013
68
I agree completely. Williams' work on Star Wars will always be one of the great achievements of film music, and if it's not gonna be him then Giacchino is a solid replacement.
John on Jan 25, 2013
69
Lemme guess, Michael Giacchino? The same guy who does every movie Abrams does? Ah well, the times they are a changin'.
Thexn on Jan 24, 2013
70
He's a fantastic composer, probably the best since Jerry Goldsmith died, and he and Abrams' collaborations have been incredible and memorable. I got no problem with Michael (should it come to pass that is) lending his frenetic but soulful themes to the SW universe. Plus having interviewed him and talked at length about his work with Abrams I'm kind of biased:P
RidgeRacer4 on Jan 25, 2013
71
Is ok if I read the first line of your comment with the Episode III Darth Vader's "NO" voice?
capitandelespacio on Jan 24, 2013
72
Ugh. I really don't like his Star Trek. But on the bright side, I've absolutely hated everything from Star Wars in the past 15 years, so it can't get any worse.
Sir Phobos on Jan 24, 2013
73
Then why are you commenting or even reading this news?
conradthegreat on Jan 24, 2013
74
Because I have an interest in it? Or because I can? I don't have to like news to have an opinion about it.
Sir Phobos on Jan 24, 2013
75
Good one!!!
311 on Jan 25, 2013
76
Look at it this way: he's going to be extremely mindful of avoiding the most obvious criticism for his new Star Wars movie, namely the inevitable complaint that it's too similar to his Star Trek movies. So, it stands to reason that he will go out of his way to differentiate the two as much as possible, in order to minimize that critique. So, if you don't like his style on Star Trek, perhaps that in fact suggests you will be quite pleased with his Star War movie? Lol
Wafffles on Jan 24, 2013
77
Yea, I was just talking with someone about him needing to go out of his way to make it visually different than Trek. So, really, I can't even begin to guess what his Star Wars is going to be like. I'm fine with his aesthetics; I just hope it will make more sense than Star Trek.
Sir Phobos on Jan 24, 2013
78
Hmmm....you've got a valid point. I'd say that he will have to go out of his way to make it different from TREK--they are separate universes, after all. But to be fair....right now, we don't have a clue.
Scopedog on Jan 24, 2013
79
Um...Trek is about science and Wars is about spirituality. Anyone who can't tell the difference isn't paying attention.
Greedy on Jan 24, 2013
80
You'd be surprised, actually. And I pretty much said that they are separate universes, so he'll have to differentiate (and pay attention to the look and feel of SW). If I didn't make that clear, well, that's my fault.
Scopedog on Jan 24, 2013
81
If the biggest criticism of the new Start Wars is lens flare then this is gonna be awesome.
si1ver on Jan 24, 2013
82
YEE-HAW!!!
DAVIDPD on Jan 24, 2013
83
I'm conflicted... not because this isn't great news - I think it's incredible news, actually - it's that this probably means the end of Abrams doing Trek. Well... if that's the case, at least he's moving on to another series that I love. I don't think they could've picked a better director to start off a new trilogy.
Brandon Carey on Jan 24, 2013
86
Boring choice.
Nielsen700 on Jan 24, 2013
87
Hope he doesn't get the trilogy - his finales suck! 😉
Chris on Jan 24, 2013
88
Apart from Joss Whedon this is the best thing that could have happened for Star wars.
Jon Odishaw on Jan 24, 2013
89
Yes. Yes! YES!! YYEESSS!!! Aaahhhhhhhhh.
Meester Smeeth on Jan 24, 2013
91
This is insane. He is going to be without a doubt one of the most legendary directors of all time simply because he directed both of these huge franchises.
Cody Thomason on Jan 24, 2013
92
But he created niether. He's a work for hire director.
Greedy on Jan 24, 2013
93
http://themediaviking.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/r2drstartrek1.jpeg r2d2 already made an appearance in star trek 09
Joshua Addisson Roach on Jan 24, 2013
95
First print it out, then roll up the paper into a tube/cylinder shape, then...
Kamish! on Jan 24, 2013
97
And yet, nothing about this on starwars-dot-com......
David Banner on Jan 24, 2013
98
it should have been whedon. after abrams' fucking up of star trek canon, i have no faith in him doing starwars.
Anna Martin on Jan 24, 2013
99
Unfortunately fans, critics and the general public disagree with you which is why Star Trek was a box office and critical smash
Geoffrey Shauger on Jan 24, 2013
100
True....and besides, I thought it was Berman and Braga who f'd up Trek's canon...at least according to some fans.
Scopedog on Jan 24, 2013
101
Whedon, Abrams, Whedon, Abrams... There are other movie directors out there, you know.
castingcouch on Jan 25, 2013
102
First, that title is so misleading, it's nothing official, come on.... Second, I hope it's not official:/
Ricardo_PT on Jan 24, 2013
103
Well hes directing , its not like he's writing the script. I'm sure he'll have some freedoms but i'm glad hes just directing.
Christopher Philip Cinquegrano on Jan 24, 2013
104
More Lens flares and less Jar Jar? This is gettin' better all the time!
nubsy on Jan 24, 2013
105
I still want my hard R slow mo jedi fights!!!!!!!!!!!
Cody W on Jan 24, 2013
106
yes yes yes yes yes!
avi on Jan 24, 2013
107
"I'd lightsaber duel you Darth Cryptic, but I can't see you through the flaring light of your weapon! Just a second, lemme force pull some sunglasses over here!"
Thexn on Jan 24, 2013
108
We have one capable screen writer in Michael Arndt and one capable director in Abrams...This is gearing up to be quite the exciting film.
Xerxexx on Jan 25, 2013
109
There goes my interest in seeing this movie.
castingcouch on Jan 25, 2013
110
Although the story lines of the Star Wars are pretty basic, I hope he brings back the flavour of the original without the need to 'jazz' things up. It needs to have the same feel if its not a spin-off.
Steven on Jan 25, 2013
111
please god no Samuel l Jackson. he'll lobby hard to get in
fasterpetey on Jan 25, 2013
112
Hang on a second. I'm not saying it won't be J.J. (though I still think Matthew Vaughn would be excellent and is more likely) - since when did 'official' mean "The site that said Zack Snyder was making a Jedi samurai movie says so, even though there's been no word from Disney, Lucasfilm or Bad Robot"?
John Madden on Jan 25, 2013
113
This
Ricardo_PT on Jan 25, 2013
114
They had a chance to bring in a director who might breathe new life into Star Wars with a unique vision and style... and they blew it by choosing Abrams. He's a truly competent director, but his style is derivative of so many others rather than being something truly new. He's a safe choice, not a bold one. Sounds like typical Disney.
Swanland on Jan 25, 2013
115
I am pretty sure the last thing fanboys would want is a "bold choice" for a director with a "unique vision and style." People have an idea of what the Star Wars universe looks like and they don't want it to be a director who will go out of his way to put make sure his style shows through.
Joe on Jan 25, 2013
116
fan made minimalist poster...
GK on Jan 25, 2013
117
Fuck yeah!!!! Luv JJ!!! Looking forward to some wicked Lightsaber fights.... Wonder who they are gonna cast as the Solo twins & Ben Skywalker?
Anality on Jan 25, 2013
118
Ryan Gosling as Ben Skywalker JGL as Jacen Solo Benedict Cumberbatch as the main villain sith
Crusty Brown Ring on Jan 25, 2013
119
Awesome cast, expect for Benedict, he is not that great. I would rather have Fassbender as the main villain. Or even have Gosling as a sith and bring someone like James McAvoy to the Jedi side
Ricardo_PT on Jan 25, 2013
120
I just want sit in the theater with others in an imax and explod when "star wars" jumps out on the screen. One of the best moments to share with strangers.
mooreworthy on Jan 25, 2013
121
I love that moment. Everyone gets nearly pees themselves with anticipation of that.
grimjob on Jan 25, 2013
122
Yes my friend.
mooreworthy on Jan 25, 2013
123
Just realized I forgot to type *really excited and* before the pee comment. See what that damn intro does? Just re-living it gets me all scatterbrained.
grimjob on Jan 25, 2013
124
Plastic and bullshit on mass production. That's what I think.
Lautaro on Jan 25, 2013
125
Blasphemy....
Ceazar on Jan 25, 2013
126
So...if JJ can lie/change his mind.....who else will come forth? 🙂 Well, this is still NOT OFFICIAL, but I guess it will be on Monday?
David Banner on Jan 25, 2013
127
"NO! THATS NOT TRUE! THATS IMPOSSIBLE!"
lando on Jan 25, 2013
128
http://nooooooooooooooo.com/ I sense a great disturbance in the Force.
player2aj on Jan 25, 2013
129
You know, I looked for RS one or two times. Do you have the timestamp/timecode when he passes the screen?
David Banner on Jan 26, 2013
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