At the start of production onStar Wars: The Force Awakens, there was always the question of who would direct the next sequel.J.J. Abrams, who helmed this reboot of the decade-long dormant property, declared right away that he didn’t want to do it. As the first movie turned out to be, literally, a backbreaking experience. But now, withRian Johnsonfirmly in the writer/director seat,Abramsis changing his tune. But only because the script byRian Johnsonis so good. In fact, it may be too good.
After reading theStar Wars: Episode VIIIscript for the first time, lifelong friend andStar Wars: The Force AwakensstarGreg GrunbergsaysJ.J. Abramshad quite the unexpected reaction. It was somethingGreg Grunberghad never heard out of his friend before, with the two working for decades side by side in the industry. Here’s what the actor, who playsX-Wing pilotSnap Wexley, had to say to The Washington Post.
“He read it and said something he never, ever says. He said: ‘It’s so good, I wish I were making it.’ He may have said something one time on ‘Lost,’ with Damon [Lindelof, the co-creator], but I never hear him express regret like that.”
More than anything,J.J. Abrams' remark serves as a ringing endorsement for whatRian Johnsonis about to do. While the incoming director has already shot a few select scenes forStar Wars: Episode VIIIfeaturingLuke Skywalkeron Skellig Michael in Ireland, the main bulk of principle photography begins this spring in the UK at Pinewood Studios.J.J. Abramshas revealed that he shared early cuts ofThe Force Awakenswith Rian so that he could get a sense of the tone and style that they were aiming for. The directors wanted the transition between films to be a smooth one, though both have distinctively different directing styles.Rian Johnsonis known for the time travel thrillerLooperalong with such cult favorites asThe Brothers BloomandBrick.
J.J. Abramsisn’t completely bailing on the Star Wars franchise. As he’s done with future Star Trek sequels,The ForceAwakens director is staying on board as a producer. OnStar Wars: Episode VIII, he will actually be an executive producer. But as a straight up director,J.J. Abramsmade the decision long ago to give up the reigns. Though for awhile some believed he might be back to captain the ship onStar Wars: Episode IX, that job eventually went toColin Trevorrow.
With a 95% fresh rating onRotten Tomatoesand an A+ Cinemascore, many seeJ.J. Abramsas the conquering hero who saved the franchise after the much maligned prequels. The film is on track to become the biggest box office blockbuster of all-time. And it not only set the foundation for a new trilogy and a number of spinoffs, which will arrive once a year for eternity, but it has also propped merchandising back up, with more than $3 billion in sales expected from toys, theme parks and more. As forGreg Grunberg’sSnap Wexley, you can expect him to be back. Though he was given the line ‘I’ve been hit!’ while stationed inside his X-Wing cockpit, the actor refused to say it, exclaiming, ‘I wasn’t going down!’ So, what do you think? WillStar Wars: Episode VIIIbe better thanStar Wars: The Force Awakens? Or is it all hype?
