'Fanboy' director J. J. Abrams to direct 'Star Wars' installment

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
1/28/2013
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

'Star Wars' creator George Lucas gives Abrams his full endorsement

The director is a perfect fit for the "Star Wars" franchise: J.J. Abrams, directors of both blockbusters and installments - witness his takes on the "Star Trek" and "Mission Impossible" series has been inked to direct the latest "Star Wars" installment, a move heartily endorsed by the series' creator George Lucas.

Described as a 46-year-old geek icon, J. J. Abrams has been tapped to direct the 'Star Wars: Episode VII,' the first installment of a brand new trilogy in the biggest sci-fi film franchise in history.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "I've consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller," Lucas said in a statement released by Walt Disney Studios. "He's an ideal choice to direct the new 'Star Wars' film and the legacy couldn't be in better hands."

The latest chapter in the "Star Wars" series is the franchise's first since Disney agreed to acquire Lucasfilm, George Lucas' company that produced the first six "Star Wars" movies.

Among his many other productions, Abrams directed the 2009 "Star Trek" movie. His company, Bad Robot, produced "Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol," the 2011 movie in that franchise.

For television, Abrams created "Felicity," "Alias," "Lost" and "Fringe," among others. Abrams and producing partner Bryan Burk will helm "Star Wars: Episode VII" along with Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, Disney said.

Described as a 46-year-old geek icon has been tapped to direct the "Star Wars: Episode VII," the first installment of a brand new trilogy in the biggest sci-fi film franchise in history.

"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," Abrams said in a statement. "I may be even more grateful to [creator] George Lucas now than I was as a kid."

"He's smart. He's talented. He's a fanboy. And he's proven himself repeatedly," Leonard Maltin, critic for "Entertainment Tonight" and movie historian says. "I don't see how fans can complain."

The legions of the "Star Wars" franchise have been ready to complain ever since the Walt Disney Co. announced in October that it was purchasing Lucasfilm. Disney bought the production studio behind the "Star Wars" movies from creator Lucas for $4.05 billion in cash and stock, and immediately put an "Episode VII" in production for a 2015 release date.

"Empire Strikes Back" screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan would be a consultant on "Episode VII," ensuring that the Force would be strong indeed on the project.

� 2013, Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

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Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: J. J. Abrams, Star Wars, George Lucas, Walt Disney

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