JJ Abrams turned down Star Wars Episode 7

JJ Abrams turned down Star Wars Episode 7

“Lost” and “Star Trek” director JJ Abrams has reportedly turned down the chance to direct Disney’s new “Star Wars” film, “Episode 7.”

In an interview with Empire, Abrams revealed that there had been initial discussions about whether he would take over the sci-fi sequel.

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He said: “There were very early conversations and I quickly said that because of my loyalty to ‘Star Trek’ and also because I’m just a fan (of ‘Star Wars’), I don’t even want to be involved in the next version of these things.”

“I refused to be involved in any way very early on. I preferred to sit in the audience and not know what to expect rather than be involved in the details of its creation.”

Abrams’ own space-set sequel, Star Trek Into Darkness, hits theaters next year, and studio Paramount hopes more will follow – another consideration for Abrams.

“I guess the franchises could compete against each other, but I’m not thinking that far ahead!” Abrams said.

“I’m a huge fan of ‘Star Wars’, ‘Empire’ and ‘Jedi’ and the idea that the world is moving on is exciting and it’s going to be great. Kathy Kennedy is a friend and there are no smarter producers. It’s in good hands.”

Kennedy is head of LucasFilm, which was sold to Disney by George Lucas for £2.5 billion in October.

Disney immediately gave the green light for a seventh “Star Wars” film and there was intense speculation on the Internet about who would land the coveted job.

So far, Matthew Vaughn is considered the favorite after actor Jason Flemyng seemingly accidentally confirmed in an interview that the “Kick-Ass” director had been hired.

With the new Star Wars film set to hit theaters in 2015, production needs to begin soon. Expect a major announcement about the project early next year.

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