"Look, Star Wars is one of my favorite movies of all time,” J.J. told Hollywood Life. He added, “I frankly feel that – I almost feel that, in a weird way, the opportunity for whomever it is to direct that movie, it comes with the burden of being that kind of iconic movie and series. I was never a big ‘Star Trek’ fan growing up, so for me, working on ‘Star Trek’ didn’t have any of that, you know, almost fatal sacrilege, and so, I am looking forward more then anyone to the next iterations of ‘Star Wars,’ but I believe I will be going as a paying moviegoer!”
Those are not the words of a guy who has any plans of directing the next Star Wars picture, but that's what J.J. Abrams said back in November. Just last month we learned he had actually turned the job down when it was offered. So either he was lying then, which is totally possible, or Kathleen Kennedy simply made him offer too good to refuse.
THR and TheWrap report that Abrams is the guy to tackle Star Wars: Episode VII. Get ready for the Star Wars vs. Star Trek flame wars! Seriously though, Paramount probably aren't too happy about this, and I have to believe this seals the deal on him not returning for a Star Trek 3. Ben Affleck was also a contender for the job, and personally I'd love to see him do some sort of spinoff.
So how do you feel about this? Are you excited to see what Abrams can do with the Star Wars franchise?
