"Star Wars: Episode VII" pre-production has announced J.J. Abrams will not only direct the upcoming film, but also write the movie's script.
With the help of writer Lawrence Kasdan, the director will co-write the screenplay, StarWars.com confirmed in a statement.
"As Episode VII continues pre-production, Lawrence Kasdan and director J.J. Abrams have assumed screenwriting duties for the film," the statement reads. "Kasdan, who has been serving as a consultant on the film, is a veteran of several classic Lucasfilm productions, writing the screenplay for Raiders of the Lost Ark and serving as co-screenwriter for The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Acclaimed director and screenwriter Abrams' credits include Super 8, Mission: Impossible III, Fringe, and Lost."
Like the statement said, Abrams isn't new to the concept of writing a script. In fact, the director tends to write the scripts of the films he directs. His movies are critically acclaimed and the president of Lucasfilms is excited for what the duo will create together.
"I am very excited about the story we have in place and thrilled to have Larry and J.J. working on the script," states Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. "There are very few people who fundamentally understand the way a Star Wars story works like Larry, and it is nothing short of incredible to have him even more deeply involved in its return to the big screen. J.J. of course is an incredible storyteller in his own right. Michael Arndt has done a terrific job bringing us to this point and we have an amazing filmmaking and design team in place already prepping for production."
According to the news release, shooting is scheduled to begin Spring 2014 at Pinewood Studios for an expected 2015 release. However, there were rumors of a big "Star Wars" announcement occurring on Oct. 30. (Read more about it here)
The timing of the Abrams announcement is peculiar. Do you think there's more "Star Wars" news coming at the end of October? Tell us what you think below.
