J.J. Abrams to write and direct Star Wars: Episode IX for Disney and Lucasfilm

Image from Collider

By Darian Scalamoni

            Coming off the heels of Colin Trevorrow departing the Star Wars family, Star Wars: Episode IX, the ninth installment of the episodic series was seeking a new director. Luckily for them, a familiar face with the galaxy far, far away has hopped on board to take the reins. According to multiple sources, J.J. Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Trek) is set to write and direct Star Wars: Episode IX for Disney and Lucasfilm.

            It was speculated at first that Rian Johnson, the director of the upcoming, Star Wars: The Last Jedi would be at the helm, though it was reported by Deadline that he in fact, did not want the job. Thus, Abrams has come on to try and complete the trilogy and will have an Oscar-winning writer in tow as he is set to co-write the film with Chris Terrio (Argo, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice). There are sure to be plenty of opinions on Lucasfilm’s decision to bring back storied filmmaker; more so as a writer rather than a director.

            Many have claimed that The Force Awakens is close to a carbon copy of A New Hope, though regardless of that, the film is the third highest-grossing movie of all time. The Force Awakens, which opened in late 2015, grossed over $2 billion at the box-office and re-launched the Star Wars cinematic universe.

            Abrams has been working mostly in the television realm since directing Episode VII, being an executive producer on Hulu series like 11.22.63 and the upcoming Castle Rock, both based on stories by the legendary author Stephen King. He also serves as an Executive Producer on HBO’s Westworld. Abrams production company, Bad Robot will team yet again with Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy and Michelle Rejwan to produce Star Wars: Episode IX.

            How do you guys feel about the announcement that J.J. Abrams will return to write and direct Star Wars: Episode IX? If you’re not a fan of the choice, who would you have rather seen take on the job? Sound off in the comment section and let us know!