Star Wars: Episode VII Director Search Is Over, Disney Choses J.J. Abrams

Yes the official Star Wars: Episode VII director has been announced, and I can honestly say I didn't see this one coming. After names such as Matthew Vaughn, Colin Trevorrow, Guillermo Del Toro, Brad Bird, Jon Favreau, Joe Johntson, Duncan Jones, and Joss Whedon were all either rumored or fan favorites, it turns out J.J. Abrams (Mission Impossible 3, Star Trek, Super 8) will be taking on yet another intergalactic franchise in the form of Star Wars. Abram's best known as the creator of such TV shows as Lost, Felicity, and Fringe, as well as the film Super 8 has recently become a bigger name after his well praised 2009 Star Trek reboot, and it's upcoming sequel Star Trek: Into Darkness will be crossing over to the rival series .

Abrams comes as a very unexpected choice after taking him self out of contention to the media early on when the film was first announced, having said on his twitter that he'd just be seeing the next Star Wars film as a fan. On top of that seemingly straight forward denial of involvement from him, he's also been busy working on the Star Trek film series, which is almost guaranteed to have a third film. While Abrams has now directed his attention to the Episode VII, he will still be involved with the Trek franchise, but don't expect him to be in the director's chair by the time Star Trek 3 rolls around.

The news comes a bit bitter sweet, although it's very exciting to see someone as talented and well known as Abrams taking on the next Star Wars film, many of us had hoped he'd finish of the Trek series till the end, and switching to it's long known competitor is a bit frustrating for some fans. None the less Abrams heading the new film is very reliving, having already brought us many fun sci-fi action films, and always choosing very talented actors for any of his projects, Abrams really has all the qualities we need from the next Star Wars director.

LucasFilm has released the following statement on Abram's getting the job:

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.

Episode VII will also be produced by Abrams and his collaborator Bryan Burk, as well as his production company Bad Robot. It's also been revealed that screenwriters Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Empire Strikes Back) and Simon Kinberg (X-Men: First Class, Sherlock Holmes) will be serving as consultants for the film alongside Lucas himself. As for whether Abrams will be staying on for the whole new trilogy, or if so who will be taking the rains of the Star Trek franchise post Into Darkness, there's still no word but it more information should develop as we approach the release of Star Trek: Into Darkness May 17th.

How do you feel about J.J. Abrams directing Star Wars: Episode VII? Would you have preferred someone else?