J.J. Abrams already regrets not directing Star Wars – ‘Force’ named Entertainer of the Year

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LOS ANGELES, Dec 24, (Agencies): J.J. Abrams is evidently already having second thoughts about his decision to step out of the director’s chair for the next “Star Wars” film.

Abrams’ lifelong friend Greg Grunberg told The Washington Post that he has never heard the director express regret in such great capacity.

“He read it and said something he never, ever says,” Grunberg, who plays X-Wing pilot Snap Wexley in “The Force Awakens,” told The Washington Post. “He said, ‘It’s so good, I wish I were making it.’ He may have said something one time on ‘Lost’ with Damon, but I never hear him express regret like that.”

Abrams’ successor is Rian Johnson, best known for his films “Brick” and “Looper.” The writer-director was given early cuts of “The Force Awakens” by Abrams to help ease the transition between the two directors.

Although no longer directing, Abrams will be staying on with the “Star Wars” franchise as an executive producer.

But Abrams isn’t the only person who has given a ringing endorsement for “Episode VIII’s” script. Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey in “The Force Awakens,” told Variety that the screenplay was good.

“It’s very good; very good,” she said.

“Star Wars” isn’t just strong. It’s unstoppable.

The revival of the nearly 40-year-old space saga has already dominated the box office and toy shelves. Now, it’s also been selected as The Associated Press Entertainer of the Year and is amassing support for Academy Awards consideration.

“Personally, it’s been three years of feeling privileged to be part of something that’s bigger than all of us,” filmmaker JJ. Abrams told the AP in an interview. “This accolade is very much appreciated and no exception to that feeling.”

“Star Wars” won the AP’s annual Entertainer of the Year contest with a volley of votes from members that would rival the firepower of the First Order.

The sci-fi series bested Adele, Taylor Swift and Amy Schumer as the top vote getter. Others up for the honor included streaming services, Jon Stewart, Jennifer Lawrence, Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis and the Kardashians. Voters were asked to consider who had the most influence on entertainment and culture in 2015.

“In a year full of sequels, reboots and returns, none have recaptured the zeitgeist like ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’” wrote Nick Dutro of The Advertiser-Tribune in Tiffin, Ohio.

The initial impact of a “Star Wars” resurgence first began reverberating across the pop-culture landscape in 2012 when Disney acquired Lucasfilm for more than $4 billion, plotting a pair of movie spin-offs and a new trilogy merging veterans Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) with newcomers Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).

In the year leading up to the December release of “The Force Awakens,” Disney and Lucasfilm unleashed a barrage of “Star Wars” merchandise, comic books and video games that fueled anticipation for the film.

“The Force Awakens” also has won over most critics, despite not being screened for them ahead of the film’s mammoth Dec. 14 premiere in Hollywood. The American Film Institute selected it as one of its 10 best movies of the year, and the Critics’ Choice Awards added it as an 11th best picture nominee, leading many to have faith in “The Force Awakens” as a viable Oscar contender.

“The ‘Star Wars’ franchise is holding an IOU that it could cash in this year,” said Tom O’Neil, editor-in-chief of Gold Derby, a site that handicaps Hollywood awards and other events. “The Oscars owe major love to the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. It’s one of the most successful and beloved franchises in Hollywood history. It’s criminal that Oscar voters have never historically taken sci-fi seriously.”

While previous “Star Wars” films garnered 22 nominations and seven wins at the Academy Awards, only the original “Star Wars” earned a best picture nod. It lost to “Annie Hall” in 1978.

“The Force Awakens” is already on the academy’s short list for a visual effects nomination with 9 other films, and O’Neil is hopeful that it will be among the best picture candidates when the Oscar nominations are announced Jan 14. He also wouldn’t be shocked if Harrison Ford is recognized for reprising his role as Han Solo and composer John Williams earns his 50th nomination for the film’s score.

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