J.J. Abrams Signs On To Direct STAR WARS: EPISODE VII!

Despite previously saying that he likely won't be involved, recent reports reveal that director J.J. Abrams is moving from Star Trek to Star Wars as he is set to helm Disney's Episode VII, which is targeting a 2015 release. Hit the jump for more details.

By PaulRom - Jan 24, 2013 01:01 PM EST

Filed Under: Star Wars

Here's some incredibly exciting news. It appears that the search for a director to take on Disney and LucasFilm's Star Wars: Episode VII has finally come to an end, and while the likes of Jon Favreau (Iron Man) and Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class) were heavily rumored to be taking a stab at the legendary sci-fi franchise, it turns out that an unexpected helmer has landed the job. According to The Wrap, J.J. Abrams (Star Trek, Super 8) has signed on to direct Star Wars VII, which is targeting a 2015 release. Recent Golden Globe winner Ben Affleck (Argo) was in contention for the highly coveted job, and SlashFilm says that Matthew Vaughn, who was also in consideration, may have pitched to have his Kick-Ass star Chloe Moretz as the lead character. Interestingly, Abrams previously stated that he will likely watch the next Star Wars as a regular moviegoer, but he is now in control of the two biggest sci-fi franchises of all time. In the end, it was Steven Spielberg who pushed LucasFilm's Kathleen Kennedy to hire Abrams. For some time, Kennedy has been courting Abrams, who is a self-described fan of the franchise. Toy Story 3 writer Michael Ardnt is working on the script. Abrams is currently in post-production on Star Trek Into Darkness, which is set to hit theaters May 17th. What do you think of Abrams directing both Star Trek and Star Wars? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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304 Comments

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

DaenerysTargaryen - 1/24/2013, 1:39 PM

Holy shit I did not see that coming!

StrangerX - 1/24/2013, 1:40 PM

Really!!!

jarel93 - 1/24/2013, 1:42 PM

Uhhhhhhh.........source???

avengersftw - 1/24/2013, 1:47 PM

OMGGGGGGGG

GetsugaTensho22 - 1/24/2013, 1:48 PM

Proof? This is nothing until an official Press Release is released.

Joker11 - 1/24/2013, 1:48 PM

He brought Star Trek back he can sure as hell bring Star Wars back!

Berserker187 - 1/24/2013, 1:49 PM

His going to throw question and never going to answer them......

Bandido - 1/24/2013, 1:50 PM

Wait...thoughy he said he wasnt going to do it cuz of star trek?

I mean...thats awesome if this is true

JoshWilding - 1/24/2013, 1:51 PM

I love Abrams' work, but as he's already done this type of film, I would have been happier seeing someone else get the job (like Matthew Vaughn). The risk now is that we'll just get the same thing with different characters. This is the same reason I wouldn't want to see Whedon direct The Avengers AND Justice League. Still, I'm sure it will be awesome...

BigDamnHero - 1/24/2013, 1:53 PM

Didn't expect this...

BlueDemon - 1/24/2013, 1:54 PM

Aww NO!!! C'mon!!! Damn, it's not even April 1st....

DrHorrible - 1/24/2013, 1:55 PM

BigDamnHero - 1/24/2013, 1:55 PM

I'll wait to hear from Disney/Lucasfilm or Abrams himself before I truly believe this.

BlueDemon - 1/24/2013, 1:55 PM

I haven't really liked his movies....Star Trek was ok I guess......balls....

PaulRom - 1/24/2013, 1:56 PM

For those doubting, other reliable sources such as Deadline, THR and Variety are confirming this news. It's definitely happening! :D

mk - 1/24/2013, 1:58 PM

holy shit... im guessing star trek into the darkness is hist last trek film

BlueDemon - 1/24/2013, 1:59 PM

BlueDemon - 1/24/2013, 2:00 PM

....hopefully it doesnt suck.....

DrHorrible - 1/24/2013, 2:00 PM

JJ Abrams directing Star Trek AND Star Wars?

JJ Abrams directing Star Wars in general?

DukeAcureds - 1/24/2013, 2:02 PM

No fvcking way!
The last time a director jumped ship, we got Suerman Returns and X-Men 3 as a result.

ManofSteel23 - 1/24/2013, 2:03 PM

dubious...but it wouldnt be the worst choice

Reasonnnn - 1/24/2013, 2:03 PM

I'm down, hes a bigger Star Wars fan than Trek.

wolverinesfury - 1/24/2013, 2:04 PM

Get the [frick] out!

DukeAcureds - 1/24/2013, 2:05 PM

Wasn't he and Brad Bird a lot of people's number 1 choice, on here?
Personally, I was rooting for Matthew Vaughn, but Speilberg and Whedon, would've also been good.

FightAs0ne - 1/24/2013, 2:06 PM

I am happy.
We'll be getting lens glare lightsaber fights and awesome space battles. Great choice.

113 - 1/24/2013, 2:06 PM

He's going to have a serious internal nerd fight

CaptainDC - 1/24/2013, 2:06 PM

NOOOOO!

GuardianAngel - 1/24/2013, 2:06 PM

J.J. Abrams is one of my favorite directors. I LOVE his Star Trek and Mission Impossible: III is my favorite one. I'm trusting he'll make this different enough from Star Trek.

Mysterion - 1/24/2013, 2:07 PM

GetsugaTensho22 - 1/24/2013, 2:07 PM

*Sigh* Looks like nobody pays attention to details anymore. How gullible.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

J.J. Abrams Signs On To Direct STAR WARS: EPISODE VII!

Despite previously saying that he likely won't be involved, recent reports reveal that director J.J. Abrams is moving from Star Trek to Star Wars as he is set to helm Disney's Episode VII, which is targeting a 2015 release. Hit the jump for more details.

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