31 January 2013
By Aaron Sanders, Diversions Editor
Back in October 2012, Disney purchased Lucasfilm from George Lucas, acquiring both the iconic Indiana Jones and Star Wars franchises. On the same day, Disney made an announcement of astronomical proportions; it would be making Star Wars Episode 7 to be released in 2015. As expected, the Twitter-sphere went ballistic with speculation on what the plot could be or who from the original series would star in it. But the biggest question was who should direct the movie. On January 24, Disney finally confirmed who would helm the beginning of the next saga of Star Wars: Star Trek into Darkness: director J.J. Abrams.
That’s right. J.J. Abrams, the man responsible for revitalizing Star Trek, has decided to take on Star Wars. In theory, such a proposition is blasphemous. Trekkies and Star Wars fans have been arch-nemeses since the beginning of time. To have one man create both can only result in all-out war between the two fan-bases, right? Not necessarily. Abrams is in the unique position to bridge the two distinct factions by streamlining his iteration of Star Wars like he did with Star Trek in 2008, which elicited resounding praise from both Trekkies and Star Wars fans alike.
The naming of Abrams as the Episode 7 director has also had people speculating about exactly how much of his own artistic flare he will be able to implement into the film. Most Abrams aficionados know of the director’s signature lens flares and sweeping shots, which, while fairly effective in Star Trek, are inappropriate for Star War because he used them in Star Trek. To blend the artistic styles of the two films would be to disrespect the Star Wars culture. It is more likely that Abrams will exclusively bring in his storytelling style—that is, if he is even given much creative say in the production. It’s even more likely that Disney will use Abrams as a triggerman rather than as a creative guru.
Abram’s involvement with Star Wars also has people worried that he will be unavailable for Star Trek 3 when it eventually comes to fruition. But Paramount execs, at least for the immediate present, are more concerned with whether or not this May’s Star Trek into Darkness will be the box-office juggernaut they are all hoping it will be, especially since Disney also bought Marvel Studios, taking the Iron Man franchise away from Paramount (may I remind you Iron Man 3 opens one week before Star Trek 2).
All potential problems aside, Disney made a smart move in hiring Abrams and ensured that it can compete with the already crowded 2015 movie slate.
Courtesy of cache.g4tv.com