EPISODE VII: THE DIRECTOR IS ANNOUNCED...

Director J.J. Abrams.

So now it's finally confirmed: J.J. Abrams, wunderkid behind TV's LOST, FRINGE and REVOLUTION, having resurrected PARAMOUNT's STAR TREK franchise to new heights of box office success with the re-imagined Classic Series films, as well as bringing nostalgia with his monster movie SUPER 8, is taking the directorial reins for EPISODE VII. It's going to be a big responsibility for the film-maker-already a devout WARS fans to his heart and soul-but the launch of the new saga is surely in a very safe pair of hands. Though, as a Classic TREK fan, too, it's a bit of a shame that Gene Roddenberry's equally legendary opus has now lost the man who gave it it's cinematic mojo back, primarily in its re-execution and visualisation (though PARAMOUNT will be keeping his talents on the producing front for the eventual third film).

Speaking of mojos, despite the overall often undeserved critical mauling the Prequels got, I never thought that STAR WARS had lost its touch as the world's number one sci-fi and fantasy saga, and certainly not its box office power on generations of audiences. Just like the build-up to 1999's THE PHANTOM MENACE, EPISODE VII has the kind of expectant audience goodwill, especially with the news of Abrams joining, to send anticipation and box office receipts for DISNEY into the stratosphere...

Congratulations, Mister Abrams. Now, "Lights, Camera, ACTION!"

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