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Loads of people online seem to be going bananas over this. I think it's a pretty perfect choice.
....says "Kill Bond, NOW!"
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Is J.J. Abrams directing Star Wars Episode VII?
Posted by Patrick Sauriol on Thursday, January 24, 2013
The internet went all giggly this afternoon when The Wrap broke a story that Star Trek reboot director J.J. Abrams is locked and loaded to direct Hollywood's hottest next job, Star Wars Episode VII. But is it true?
The Wrap reached out to Lucasfilm but a comment wasn't forthcoming in time for their story. That's interesting. I've written before about Lucasfilm outright lying when accurate scoops are broken online, but even so, a no answer isn't a confirmation.
The Wrap is standing firm and saying Abrams is a lock to make Episode VII. If so he would be the only guy ever to move from one of Hollywood's most successful and well-known science fiction movie franchises, Paramount's Star Trek, to Disney's new acquisition, Star Wars.
Only two months ago Abrams had told Entertainment Weekly that he wasn't interested in directing a Star Wars movie. Instead, he preferred to be one of the people in the audience watching the newest adventure from a galaxy far, far away unfold. Of course, Abrams could have been applying Hollywood's version of Ben Kenobi's Jedi mind trick.
Disney wants to have its new Star Wars movie out in cinemas in 2015. With Abrams still working on the finishing touches for his next, Star Trek Into Darkness, a 2015 release date would be cutting it close.
Now, let's wait and see if (and when) the official shoe drops.
-The Wrap.
It is official. Disney announcement:
J.J. Abrams 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.
"It’s very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie," said Kennedy. "J.J. is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise. He understands the essence of the Star Wars experience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture."
George Lucas went on to say “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."
"To be a part of the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, to collaborate with Kathy Kennedy and this remarkable group of people, is an absolute honor,” J.J. Abrams said. “I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid."
....says "Kill Bond, NOW!"
Could have been Snyder. This suits me more. I already know how his Star Wars movie is likely to look and feel, so that kinda sucks. Despite that, he's a solid choice.
Orci's not involved with the script. That's a good thing.
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WarCry
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Posted: 11 years 33 weeks ago
Abrams seems to work pretty quickly. Star Trek Into Darkness didn't start filming until January of 2012. Even if post production runs right to release date, that would give them a pre-production start date in May of this year (and if they're locking in a director, they've probably already got a tight story - if not a script - they're happy with). So, you figure from May to January for pre-production with Disney resources. That's around 8 months of pre-production, followed by filming - Trek 2 ran from Jan-May 2012 - so then you'd have about year or so for post production.
I don't know, it might seem fast, but it seems like how Abrams works, too.