The screenplay is being penned by Michael Arndt, the Oscar-winning writer of 'Little Miss Sunshine' and 'Toy Story 3,' while Lawrence Kasdan, screenwriter on 'The Empire Strikes Back', 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', and 'Return of the Jedi,' and Simon Kinberg, who wrote 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' and the Robert Downey Jr. version of 'Sherlock Holmes,' will serve as consultants.
“It’s very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie,” said Star Wars producer and Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy in a statement. “J.J. is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise. He understands the essence of the Star Wars experience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture.”
“I’ve consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller. He’s an ideal choice to direct the new Star Wars film and the legacy couldn’t be in better hands,” said George Lucas.
"To be a part of the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, to collaborate with Kathy Kennedy and this remarkable group of people, is an absolute honor,” said J.J. Abrams. “I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid."
