The Official Disney Press Release About Star Wars and JJ Abrams

J.J. Abrams to Direct Star Wars: Episode VII

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.” 

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.