I’m sure by now you’ve all heard that J.J. Abrams has officially signed on to direct the upcoming Star Wars 7. For me, it has taken several days for this news to sink in, and I have mixed emotions about it. But I finally feel that I have something coherent to say.
Firstly: how the frak does this man get so lucky? Not only has he had a more than respectable run in television, most notably with Lost, then he was handed the blessed conch of Star Trek, and now he’s continuing the gorram Star Wars franchise?? If you ask me, this man made some supernatural deal with the lens flair devil–success and the coolest opportunities in exchange for his soul and no less than fourscore lens flairs in every film.
That being said–oozing with unabashed jealousy, might I add–I have been largely impressed with Abrams’ work thus far. Despite the fact that many hardcore Trek fans expressed disappointment and even outrage at the Star Trek reboot, I personally, very much enjoyed it.
To some extent then, I do have hope for Star Wars: Episode VII, especially because after the complete rubbish Lucas tried to pass off as an adequate prequel trilogy, there’s really nowhere to go but up. In particular, as noted on Axolotl Ceviche, at least Abrams has some handle on how to actually direct, while Lucas, despite his aptitude for pre-CG technical innovation, has been a miserable failure as a director of real people instead of puppets.
But really, at the core, I think the success or failure of Episode 7 will hinge on the writing. Although Abrams has done his fair share of this, there’s no word as to how much involvement he will have with the actual writing of the script, with rumors that Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3, Little Miss Sunshine, and *gag* Brave) will be heading up the writing department.
The fundamental importance of a good script is exactly what makes me wish that Joss Whedon had been given the job. I may be a bit partial, as, just like the pulchritudinous Jason Segel to my right, Joss Whedon is my master now, but if his massive success with The Avengers has taught us anything, it’s that he knows his shit. I would feel much more comfortable with Star Wars in his hands than any one else’s. Sure he’s been super busy and probably needs a break and taking on the Star Wars franchise would definitely be a super stressful enterprise, but I don’t care. I’m selfish and I want more Jossy goodness.
While Arndt seems mostly competent and Abrams has a decent track record thus far, I’ll remain cautiously skeptical so as not to get my hopes too far up only to be disappointed by Star Wars 7. What are your feelings on the big announcement?
J.J. Abrams Set to Direct Next ‘Star Wars’ Film (Exclusive)
Lucas Shaw @ The Wrap
Disney on Friday night confirmed TheWrap’s earlier report that J.J. Abrams will direct “Star Wars: Episode VII,” the latest film in the iconic franchise and the first since Disney bought Lucasfilm last October.
“J.J. is the perfect director to helm this,” Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement. “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.”
mewling quim 