New ‘Star Wars’ Should Feel ‘Real,’ J.J. Abrams Says
J.J. Abrams knows the deep responsibilities of leading the new Star Wars films, and the director says maintaining an authentic feel for the series is crucial for the upcoming movies. “Impossible for me to say because it’s going to be an evolving thing,” Abrams told Entertainment Weekly when asked which of the previous Star Wars films best represents the forthcoming movie. “I would say we are working really hard to make a movie that feels as emotional and authentic and exciting as possible. Whatever your favorite Star Wars movie is and how to compare it is really sort of subjective.”
George Lucas: The Wizard of ‘Star Wars’
But Abrams is mindful of how important Star Wars is for many people, and recalled his own experiences with the series. “We all know that [creator George Lucas‘] dream has become almost a religion to some people. I remember reading a thing somewhere, someone wrote about just wanting [the new film] to feel real; to feel authentic,” Abrams said. “I remember I felt that way when I was 11 years old when I saw the first one. As much of a fairy tale as it was, it felt real. And to me, that is exactly right.”
Last week, Disney executive Jay Rasulo told investors that the first new Star Wars project would either be a “trilogy film” or an “origin story film.” Disney, which bought Lucasfilm and the rights for Star Wars last year, is also considering TV shows around characters from the Star Wars universe. The next Star Wars film is expected to be released in 2015; it’ll begin filming in London next year.