Date: 27th November 2013

Abrams happier with Star Wars date.


J.J. Abrams has revealed he is thrilled with the new release date for Star Wars: Episode VII.

The filmmaker admitted he is glad he has more time to carry out his vision for the seventh instalment of the sci-fi series, which was originally scheduled for release in May 2015. It will now be released in December 2015.

"I will say that it is an infinitely better situation now than when they were saying they wanted it in summer," he told MTV.

"Before I even came onto the project they were talking about 2015 and they made this announcement very early on - which I understand, and I understand why they would want that, but it didn't necessarily have anything to do with the reality of where anyone was creatively, so I think it's a hugely important thing that the creative aspect come first."

He added: "A release date's great, but you have to release something great. To me, the new release date is a huge improvement."

JJ, who was given the Founders Award by Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto at the International Emmy Awards, remained tight-lipped about his plans for Episode VII, even refusing to confirm whether C3-P0 would be in the film now that R2-D2 has been announced.

The 47-year-old said getting to write the film's screenplay with Empire Strikes Back writer Lawrence Kasdan was a dream come true.

"Working with Larry has been one of the most surreal joys of my life. We've had a lot of fun working together. He's an incredible guy and an inspiring and spectacular writer," he said.

Original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill are rumoured to be back for the upcoming film, with and film bosses holding open auditions to fill two other roles.

Source: Press Release