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J.J. Abramswas recently rent to write and directStar war : Episode IX , and though he does n’t read as the most inspired choice for the caper , he ’s the one that is the salutary fit for the project . Last calendar week , there was yet another disturbance in the Force asColin Trevorrow(who had been confiscate to helmStar state of war 9for two long time ) parted ways with Lucasfilm due to originative difference . This was the 2d massive directorial shake-up Lucasfilm tolerate in 2017 , as Trevorrow ’s departure happened just a few forgetful calendar month afterPhil Lord and Chris Miller ’s surprise firingfrom theHan Soloanthology film . TheEpisode IXsituation was n’t about as fearful as that debacle , but was still troubling since Lucasfilm hop tostart filming the picture in January 2018 .
It stood reason to conceive the studio had a potential replacement or two trace up when they move on from Trevorrow ( Ron Howard interchange Lord and Miller a duad days afterwards ) , and it was n’t long until the rumour start make out in . Last Jedihelmsman Rian Johnson was a popular pick amongst the rooter , especially withEpisode VIIIcontinuing to bet great . in the end , Lucasfilm did go with a conversant facial expression , only it was Abrams or else of Johnson . As express above , theForce Awakensdirector is unquestionably a dependable pick , but of all the nominee , he ’s the one Lucasfilm needed and is a strong pick .
Why Abrams Got Hired
It would be an understatement to sayLucasfilm has had some director issuesin the early days of this newStar Warsera . Lord and Miller and Trevorrow are the most eminent - profile instance , but the studio apartment also require Josh Trank offa planned Boba Fett spinoff moviein 2015 and brought in Tony Gilroy to aid Gareth Edwards on the extensiveRogue Onereshoots last year . Since there are just four months to go untilEpisode IXstarts shot , it was a requisite for Kathleen Kennedy to find someone she can entrust . She was not going to risk hiring another outsider and lead the risk of more issue arising . The Force AwakensandThe Last Jediare the two modernStar Warsmovies of the five or six in development to be completed without a hitch ( keep open for Harrison Ford ’s broken leg ) , so Abrams - a veteran of blockbuster - worked well in the system . It ’s not surprising Lucasfilm went with a " safe " pickax because , frankly , the franchise ca n’t afford another dustup .
In gain to his tie to the Lucasfilm family , Abrams was likely the best selection who was readily usable to take the job at a moment ’s observation . Several other directors who seem like they would fit well in theStar Warsmachine are preoccupy with other projects presently . Jon Favreau is ferment on hisLion Kingremake . Brad Bird is gettingThe Incredibles 2ready for its June 2018 premiere . Ava DuVernay is still handling C. W. Post - production on next year’sA Wrinkle In Time . Rian Johnson has just about locked his last cut ofThe Last Jedi , and would probably like a gap before jumping headfirst into something else . As a by-product of change directors so late in the game , Lucasfilm ’s options were limited as they search for a switch . Abrams ' last characteristic film wasThe Force Awakens , and he had n’t sign on for anything else in the fourth dimension since . Abrams has had plenteous time to reload his batteries and should be reenergized after what was sure enough a debilitate unconscious process makingStar Wars 7 .
Another key cistron that give to Abrams ' hiring is his continued involvement with the sequel trilogy . Though the original plan did not call for him to manoeuvre another instalment , he is an executive producer onThe Last Jediand assist asa penis of the brain trust that guided TrevorrowthroughEpisode IX ’s development . More so than anyone other than Johnson , Abrams screw where the chronicle is heading and does n’t have to be brought up to speed as he nonplus to work on cracking theStar Wars 9narrative . This is major because it sounds like the screenplay is being totally rewrite by Abrams andArgoscribe Chris Terrio , after Trevorrow andJack Thornetook multiple stabs at the playscript . Abrams ' inner knowledge should make the process of writingEpisode IXin a condensed timeframe that much easier so the labor can stay on track . To take over a sport analogy , this is like when a football team advance its offensive coordinator to head coach midseason to keep the institute system in place . It ’s bad enoughStar Wars 9needed a full overhaul of its creative squad . Stability really matters here .
Ultimately , this decision boils down to logistics . Due to mistakes made by the higher - ups , Lucasfilm was in a tight bind following Trevorrow ’s departure , and they fundamentally had no choice but to throw on the Abrams Signal and hope he answered the call . Out of all the naturalistic contenders , Abrams was the one who had the most open agenda and has demonstrate an ability to influence well with Kathleen Kennedy and company . From a pure business perspective , Abrams was the sensical choice , but he ’s also a set filmmaking wise .
Why Abrams Is A Good Choice
When Abrams rebootedStar Trekin 2009 , a usual complaint amongst the hard-core Trekkies is that the Kelvin Timeline feel more likeStar WarsinStar Trekclothing than " true"Star Trek . His sensibilities always seemed better suited for the galaxy far , far by than the Final Frontier - a sentiment show correct whenForce Awakensearned widespread praise and grossed $ 2 billion worldwide . Using his love of the original trilogy as his elementary influence , Abrams was able-bodied to craft an endearing and thrilling distance opera that combined the best ingredient of old launching with an update spin . While the narrative ofForce Awakenswas somewhat divisive ( more on that in a 2d ) , many witness were in agreement that the tone was one of the pic ’s hard assets . After the prequels got bogged down in unconvincing romances and government , the franchise returned to its roots as a whizz - bang escapade through space , populated by memorable character that became straight off iconic .
With bothStar TrekandForce Awakens(not to remark , the child actors ofSuper 8) , Abrams has also illustrated a knack for casting . He was the one that deplume Daisy Ridley and John Boyega out of obscurity , enticed a world - stratum thespian like Oscar Isaac to the worldly concern of gravid - budget tentpoles , and pulled off the stroke of genius that was Adam Driver as Kylo Ren . Two films in , the meat cast of the sequel trilogy should be set forEpisode IX , but everyStar Warsmovie introduces impertinent characters for fans to enjoy . If any newcomer are to unveiling in the sublime finale , viewers can rest insure a master copy is at employment behind - the - scenes , finding the best role player for each role . And by now , the returning roam members are very prosperous in their parts , intend they should all gel just fine with Abrams again . He was n’t afraid to dish out some problematical love when necessary ( Abrams telling Ridley she was " wooden " on 24-hour interval one has buy the farm in legend ) , so all party should be able to do some astonishing things together .
Abrams undoubtedly can ping a crew - pleasing tentpole out of the park , but even his big fans would be hard - crusade to call his whole kit and caboodle wholeheartedly original . For all the merits ofThe Force Awakens , many felt it leaned a little too heavily on what make out before , act as a softNew Hopereboot that borrowed some patch point from that groundbreaking classic ( precious droid with top secret information , planet killing artillery , etc . ) . In a mode , this was necessary at the time . Lucasfilm was a $ 4 billion acquisition for Disney andEpisode VIIwas the first in ( hopefully ) a long line of sequels and spinoffs to flesh the macrocosm out . If it had been factious ( or unfit , pan ) , it would be a nightmare for Lucasfilm . Getting not just the hard-core fans , but also casual viewers onboard , was a major end ofEpisode VII , and by all business relationship , it worked well . The pic reach what it set up out to attain - no matter of wobbly instruction execution on some facet ( Captain Phasma ) .
When the rebound became more outspoken , Abrams confessedthe parallels toA New Hopewere intentionalto remind mainstream audiences whatStar Warsis . That tier of ego - knowingness is crucial , since it lowers the odds ofEpisode IXbecoming aReturn of the Jediredux ( the jokes have already been made ) . Abrams knows this picture has a different curing of objectives thanForce Awakens , and copyingReturnbeat - for - beatnik simply wo n’t flee - especially withThe Last Jediset to make new rules for the saga . It ’s encouraging Abrams is collaborating with Terrio on the screenplay , as the Oscar - success should be able to design a layered tale with lofty themes and dream . Terrio ’s involvement with the ultra - divisive DCEU ( Batman V Superman ) could be a red flag to some , but the more controversial elements of that franchise were the doing of Zack Snyder , so Abrams ( who already has one successfulStar Warsmovie under his belt ) will be able-bodied to translate Terrio ’s oeuvre with his vision - one that is a bit more approachable to universal audiences than Snyder ’s .
Conclusion
As great as it would have been to see three dissimilar director add to theStar Warslegacy on the sequel trilogy , it ’s for the upright give the portion Abrams is devolve to fetch up what he started . He ’s a steady and reliable comportment with a quality filmography under his belt , and he understands what get aStar Warsmovie " work . “Force Awakenswas able to balance comedy and drama nicely , giving off a vibe similar to the original trilogy , only fuel by Abrams ' highly energetic style of filmmaking . If Kennedy ’s promise is for the newStar Warsmovies to delight audiences , why not get the man who already attract that off once ?
It ’s well-heeled to crock up saucy about Abrams ' trust on nostalgia , but he actually establish an impressive amount of restraint onEpisode VII . He read from the outset the fresh generation of fibre were what was most of import to get the sequel trilogy rolling and dedicated the first act to setting up Rey , Finn , Poe Dameron , Kylo Ren , and BB-8 . Abrams refuse the temptation of charge Luke Skywalker , Han Solo , and Princess Leia on one last drive to save the galaxy , saving Luke ’s reveal for the very last scene ( already an iconic part ofStar Warslore ) and making hard calls like forgo a reunion between Skywalker and Solo . He ’s not afraid to do what ’s best for the storey , which is a skillful house forEpisode IX ’s prospects . If this is indeed to be the last episode in the saga , Abrams is the ripe person for the job .
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