Director J.J. Abrams was initially hesitant when Lucasfilm first approached him about taking over the "Star Wars" franchise. As a die-hard fan himself, he had felt the crushing disappointment associated with the prequels and seen the viscous backlash that was aimed at George Lucas. As a filmmaker, it's understandable why he'd be a bit apprehensive.
But the lure of the Force proved too strong for Abrams to resist and fans are now eagerly awaiting his newest addition to the sage, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," due out next month. Abrams touched upon his trepidation of such a massive undertaking, likening his relationship with "Star Wars" to that of a tricky roommate.
"It's time for him to get his own place," Abrams said via Variety. "It's been great and I can't tell you how much I want him to get out into the world and meet other people because we know each other really well. But really, 'Star Wars' is bigger than all of us. So I'm thrilled beyond words (to be involved) and terrified more than I can say."
Abrams was first announced to be helming the sci-fi epic back in 2013 and while this choice was met with a mixed reaction from some fans, buzz around the movie has spread ever since. "The Force Awakens" will be the first "Star Wars" film to hit theaters in 10 years. As co-writer and director for such a highly anticipated movie event, Abrams has been under the microscope for two straight years now. That lens upon him as only intensified as he and Lucasfilm have kept several characters and major plot lines in the film tightly under wraps.
But as Abrams alluded to, it's almost time for the film to be shared with the world. Though he's afraid of letting legions of "Star Wars" fans down, Abrams also appears excited for the movie to finally enjoyed by millions.
"The Force Awakens" will see the return of iconic original characters such as Harrison Ford's Han Solo, Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker and Carrie Fisher's Princess Leia. The movie will also introduce a new generation of characters which includes Adam Driver's Kylo Ren, Daisy Ridley's Rey, John Boyega's Finn and Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will hit theaters on Dec. 18.
