JJ Abrams: Not Directing ‘Star Trek 3’ Is ‘Bittersweet’

JJ Abrams has called his decision not to direct the next Star Trek film “bittersweet.”

Abrams will have a very full plate directing Star Wars: Episode VII, but will still be involved with the third Star Trek installment as a producer.

“It’s a little bittersweet. But, I will say that I’m going to be producing the movie. Whomever it is that directs the film will be someone we all know is going to keep the cast and crew in good hands,” Abrams told Collider. “I feel very lucky to have been part of it, and it definitely feels like the right time to let someone come in and do their own thing.”

Abrams also said that he didn’t want the next director to try to replicate what he did with the first two films.

“We want to hire someone who’s gonna come in and bring their own sensibility,” he said. “I’m very excited to see what comes next, despite feeling jealous of whomever that person is.”

The 47-year-old Emmy nominee also said that he wasn’t trying to replicate what Gene Rodenberry did with the franchise, but instead wanted to bring his own vision to the story.

“I think you have to have people who know it and love it work alongside you to remind you, ‘You can’t do this. You shouldn’t do that.’ But, you always have to follow your own gut, of what is an interesting story, what feels fun and what feels exciting, and then go that way,” he said. “So for me, the experience of working on Star Trek is acknowledging and being grateful for everything you’ve been given. ”

As far as who he thinks should direct the next Star Trek film, JJ Abrams said he thought Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt would be a good choice to take over the reins.

I know Rupert and he’s incredibly talented, and we’d be lucky to have someone as talented as Rupert,” he told HitFix. “But there are things we’re focusing on right now before the director, which is just sort of the fundamentals of where the story is gonna go.”

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