News broke last Thursday that J.J. Abrams, the most powerful of all nerds, has been tapped by Disney and Lucasfilm to direct Star Wars: Episode 7. I missed this breaking news by about an hour because I was too busy playing Temple Run 2.
One of the things to which I was most looking forward in 2013 was finding out who would direct Episode 7. When news first broke that the Star Wars saga would continue I thought that J.J. Abrams would be great to carry the torch of the Force. After he denied that he would be involved, though, I thought Abrams was happy hanging out in the Star Trek universe. Apparently Disney, Lucasfilm and Kathleen Kennedy were persuasive enough, because not only is J.J. Abrams boldly going where no one has gone before, but he’s also traveling to a galaxy far, far away.
I’m excited that J.J. Abrams is bringing Star Wars back to the big screen. Here are some reasons why.
He’s a Fan
I’m most excited about J.J. Abrams directing Episode 7 because he is a fan. Before accepting the directing gig, Abrams stated that he would be another happy fan sitting in the audience for Episode 7. I don’t know Abrams personally, but he was 11 years old when Star Wars came out and I’m sure he freaked out just like everyone else. I have hopes that he loves Star Wars just as much as the rest of us. I hope that love will push him to make a Star Wars movie that recaptures the magic of the original trilogy that was somewhat lost in the prequels. Someone who loves Star Wars as much as the rest of us making the new Star Wars movie can’t be a bad thing.
Star Trek Was Awesome
I loved J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek. I think it was a good reintroduction of the series to the big screen and set up a new movie universe that could produce many more great stories. My biggest problem with Star Trek is that it wasn’t a television series. Star Trek movies are great but it is at its best as a television series. Gene Roddenberry created a tremendous universe full of depth and complexities that can’t be explored in a two-hour movie every few years. But that isn’t Abrams fault. Paramount asked him to created an accessible Star Trek movie, which he did, and it still touched on some of Star Trek’s greatest themes like friendship and community. J.J. Abrams did a great job with one of my favorite franchises so I have faith that he can do it with another.
He’s Not George Lucas
I love George Lucas. I have constantly defended him on this blog, mostly because he gave us Star Wars in the first place and, as his creation, he can do with it whatever he wants. While I appreciate what George Lucas has done, I’m happy to see the reins of the Star Wars universe pass to someone new. I don’t think Lucas owed anything to the fans and he was able to do what he wanted with his creation. J.J. Abrams isn’t the creator of Star Wars, though, he’s just a steward. As a steward, I think Abrams will respect what Star Wars means, not only to him but also to fans everywhere. As I said before, I think Abrams will want to recapture the magic of the original trilogy while acknowledging the canonical presence of the prequels. George Lucas is great but it’s also great that he’s no longer in charge of Star Wars.
Needless to say, I’m excited for Episode 7. I have faith that J.J. Abrams is the man for the job and will do what is necessary to produce the best movie possible, even if that means pushing back the release date.
What was your response to the hiring of J.J. Abrams?
Especially like your invocation of the idea of “stewardship.” Maybe Abrams’ turn behind the Star Wars camera can encourage us all to think about how we are stewards of the legacies (material and spiritual) that have been entrusted to us.
Hadn’t heard that the release date may not be set in stone. Alas!
How can you be promoting Abrams after the obscenity he promoted in Fringe? (You know — the anti Prop 8 lesbian “kiss” in the strip joint?) The guy’s a phony, a sell-out and a pervert.