Updated 9:30 p.m. PT:
Disney on Friday night confirmed TheWrap's earlier report that J.J. Abrams will direct "Star Wars: Episode VII," the latest film in the iconic franchise and the first since Disney bought Lucasfilm last October.
"J.J. is the perfect director to helm this," Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement. "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," George Lucas added. "He's an ideal choice to direct the new 'Star Wars' film and the legacy couldn't be in better hands." Abrams described his next directing job as an "absolute honor" and said, "I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid."
Abrams and producing partner Bryan Burk will produce under the Bad Robot banner with Kennedy and Disney/Lucasfilm.
