j.j. abrams

The original Star Wars was driven by nostalgia for pulp magazines, Saturday-morning serials, and a simpler era with clear-cut heroes and villains. The new Star Wars is driven by nostalgia for the original Star Wars, and a simpler era when that title evoked words like “adventure” and “excitement,” and not words like “the taxation of trade routes,” and “Jar Jar Binks.” The characters in Star Wars: The Force Awakens are all searching for something of great importance to the galaxy far, far away. I won’t reveal what this MacGuffin is, but I will tell you what it represents: that old Star Wars magic. Can director J.J. Abrams and the rest of the saga’s new creators find it?

George Lucas recently commented about why he walked away from Star Wars and it’s all your fault. In a new video interview for Vanity Fair, the Star Wars creator voiced some of his frustrations with the past of the franchise and his hopes for the future, yielding some uncharacteristically candid soundbites.

Just when you thought Star Wars might lay a little low this week after unleashing a new trailer, posters and a TV spot, we’ve got a couple of updates on the franchise, as Lucasfilm has released a new set of behind the scenes photos from The Force Awakens, while director J.J. Abrams is opening up about his involvement in the franchise, both present and future.

Disney and Lucasfilm are trying very hard to preserve the secrets of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. There are reports that the film won’t screen for critics until the day before it opens in theaters. And there are rumors that not only will there be no more trailers, but that the TV spots that run won’t use any new footage and everything you’ve seen so far, is all you’re going to get. But, even as they try to keep a carbonite fist on spoilers, J.J. Abrams has to leave his house. As much as Disney would like, they can’t keep him chained up in a Rancor pit until December 17. The dude has to go out in public. And that he did just the other day, and as people shouted at him “LUKE!!! WHERE’S LUKE!!!!” he was obliged to answer.

ABC’s LOST may not have answered every mystery set up over the course of five seasons, but did you know that J.J. Abrams first pitched the island drama to ABC as having no serialized mystery whatsoever? Or that the costly pilot got ABC’s then-president fired for his trouble? We don’t have to go back, the 21st episode of ‘You Think You Know TV?’ is right here, smoking out all the island secrets of LOST!

The brand new Star Wars: Episode 7 trailer premiered this morning at Star Wars Celebration, as J.J. Abrams and the film’s cast showed off the footage to a packed audience of hardcore Star Wars fans. But, you don't have to be in Anaheim to get a new look at The Force Awakens: we've got the trailer for you right here, right now!

We've seen tons of leaked photos of 'Star Wars: Episode 7,' from Adam Driver in an unexpected uniform to new filming locations to the Millennium Falcon, but there's still plenty more over which to geek out. For example, a new image has been revealed that showcases a new breed of Stormtrooper, called a Chrome Trooper.

It's here, folks! After weeks of seeing leaked images of 'Star Wars: Episode 7' set pieces and cast and crew members, the first official footage of the Millennium Falcon has landed. Better still, it's a continuation of J.J. Abrams and Zack Snyder's ongoing 'Star Wars'-'Batman' crossovers.

ScreenCrush’s WookieLeaks is a weekly roundup of everything 'Star Wars'! From 'Star Wars: Episode 7,' to the upcoming spinoffs and the TV shows, if it pertains to that long ago, far away galaxy, we’re covering it here, bringing you our expert analysis. This week, we parse through a whole bunch of crazy new rumors, learn when 'Star Wars Rebels' will premiere, and salivate over a new 'Star Wars' board game.

The 'Star Wars: Episode 7' plot leaked online over the weekend, but if that wasn't enough of a 'Star Wars' reveal for you, we've got a little something else, direct from J.J. Abrams.

We've got even more 'Star Wars' goodies for you! Director J.J. Abrams is getting in on the action today with a very special "video selfie" with screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan, wishing fans a happy 'Star Wars' day from the set of 'Star Wars: Episode 7' in London, and he seems to be teasing some additional casting.

Finally, after months of development, J.J. Abrams has confirmed that he's ready to move on to the next stage: this weekend at the Television Critics Association, the director confirmed that the script has been completed for 'Star Wars: Episode 7,' and that the production is now in "deep prep" on the upcoming film, which is scheduled for a December, 2015 release. Well that's a relief.  Re