I was a little disappointed when I heard that J.J. Abrams was directing Star Wars Episode VII. And while some of my disappoint came from the sake of Star Trek 3, I was more disappointed that Disney didn't take the path of Joe Johnston.
First off, Johnston has worked on all three of the original Star Wars films, as the art director and effects producer. Not only that, but he worked on The Ewok Adventure, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, and Star Wars: Droids. He knows Star Wars backwards and forwards. And even more importantly, he knows the creatures of Star Wars backwards and forwards. This brings me to another point:
He knows his way around visuals. He made Captain America: The First Avenger, which was was set in the 40s, still look good visually. He also made Jumanji and Honey I Shrunk The Kids, The Rocketeer, Jurassic Park III, and did the effects for Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom and Battlestar Galactica. He could make Star Wars look amazing, visually.
In my opinion, Joe Johnston was and still is the best choice to direct Episodes 7-9. Comment below if you'd like, but remember to be respectful.