‘Star Wars: Episode VII’: Is George Lucas Involved in the J.J. Abrams Reboot?

Audiences clamoring for information about “Star Wars: Episode VII” can take comfort in the fact that not even the creator the franchise knows what’s happening with the film. It’s either good news or bad news, depending on how much you liked the “Star Wars” prequels, but George Lucas has revealed that he has yet to talk to J.J. Abrams about “Episode VII” since Abrams took the helm of the upcoming reboot.

“I have not spoken to J.J. He’s been busy with ‘Star Trek,’ and I’m sure that he’ll let me know when he’s got some questions,” Lucas said during an interview with Access Hollywood.

Despite his lack of knowledge about the project, Lucas said that he’s heard from producer Kathleen Kennedy that progress on “Episode VII” is “going well” so far, and that everything is “working out great.”

Lucas has let slip in the past his desire to see original trilogy stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford reprise their roles, all but guaranteeing the trio had already been signed to do so, but other than that he’s been uncharacteristically mum about the new trilogy. He may be stepping back in an effort to distance himself from the new direction of the upcoming films, letting Abrams take more control of the franchise. And it could also be that negative fan reaction to his direction of the prequels has left a bad taste in his mouth.

Either way, his lack of involvement in the project at this point is a bit of a head-scratcher, but we’re sure he’ll be eager to help should Abrams need any advice. After all, there would be no “Star Wars” in the first place without Lucas; Abrams should just be mindful to steer clear of any suggestions involving the words “Jar Jar.”

​[via Indiewire]