Disney’s Powerhouse: J.J. Abrams and Star Wars Episode VII

I received a press release last night that almost made me change my mind about working last night. But my resolve was stronger than my inner nerd. I decided to keep my computer closed even those is is very exciting news in my book. J. J. Abrams, my very favorite director 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.

Late last year Disney purchased the rights to make the final three Star Wars movies from Lucasfilm. Actually, they own the franchise now and while most people are skeptical and think that Disney is going to ruin it, there’s no way that will happen with Abrams on the scene. In the words of George Lucas, “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.”   and yes I agree whole heartedly. I like everything the man has created, even the shows on TV that didn’t make it; Alias being a show I’m willing to watch over and over and over again. I even went through labor watching Alias again, it kept my mind off the pain of my first child.

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.

I’m super excited to see all of this unfold and wish that I didn’t have to wait until 2015.