“Do…or do not. There is no try.”
It is something of an understatement to say that there is a lot riding on the critical success of Episode VII. As an entry into a franchise that boasts some of the most dedicated fans in history, box office receipts are almost guaranteed – particularly given that Ford, Fisher and Hamill are confirmed as returning. However, the film must back those profits up with good reviews in order to avoid the kind of ridicule that met Episodes I – III. The pressure must be felt nowhere more keenly than the director’s chair, which is occupied by J.J Abrams – not least because he has also contributed to the screenplay.
In the past 20 years, Abrams has become something of a super-power in terms of Hollywood producers – thanks to movies such as Regarding Henry, Forever Young, Cloverfield and Morning Glory, and TV shows such as Alias, Lost and Fringe. As a movie director, he may appear to have a little less experience. Making the leap from TV directing to big screen helming in 2006 with Mission: Impossible III, Abrams has since delivered only Star Trek, Super 8 and Star Trek Into Darkness. While these movies certainly tick the box for big budget production, and all have enjoyed success in theatres, taking on the rebooting of one of the most beloved franchises in film history is a pretty bold move. It’s a boldness almost matching that of George Lucas himself, when he first looked to a galaxy far, far away after making American Graffiti – and we all know how that turned out.
Abrams was, reportedly, reluctant to take the job on when first approached, but was won over by Lucasfilm Ltd. When screenwriter Michael Arndt departed the project after only a few months, the opportunity arose for Abrams to shape the script himself, alongside Lawrence Kasdan – and it is the involvement of Kasdan that is the most reassuring factor here.
While Abrams has the grand, cinematic vision and ambition, Kasdan has the Star Wars experience. His earliest screenwriting credits include co-writing The Empire Strikes Back and The Return Of The Jedi – and he had no creative involvement whatsoever in Star Wars: Episodes I – III. Kasdan’s name alone promises continuity from the high quality of the original trilogy, while Abrams brings the big budget passion. Between them, these two filmmakers have the greatest chance of pulling off this epic resuscitation of a somewhat damaged brand.
– Sarah Myles