Star Wars: J.J. Abrams to direct next film, beats out Ben Affleck
George Lucas (left) and his “Star Wars” character Chewbacca attend the unveiling of the Grand Marshal for the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade at Tournament House on September 19, 2006 in Pasadena, California.
Hollywood writer and producer J.J. Abrams is slated to direct the next "Star Wars" movie, a source familiar with the production told TheWrap.
Abrams, is responsible for television mega-hits such as "Lost" and "Alias." He directed "Mission: Impossible III" and "Star Trek."
“Star Wars was the first movie that blew my mind in that way," Abrams told Entertainment Weekly last November. "It didn’t matter how they did any of it because it was all so overwhelmingly and entirely great."
EW reported at the time of the November interview, Abrams denied he would be directing the next "Star Wars" film, which is one of Hollywood's most popular film franchises.
Incidently, TheWrap said Abrams beat out "Argo" director Ben Affleck for the top spot.
The next installment of the "Star Wars" franchise is slated to be released in 2015.