"Star Wars : Episode VII"

NEW VIDEO SERIES: A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE FUTURE OF STAR WARS

J.J. Abrams Set to Direct Next 'Star Wars' Film (Exclusive)

J.J. Abrams will direct the next Star Wars installment.

We'll just let that sink in for a second. Despite shooting down rumors that he'd be taking over the directing duties of George Lucas' space classic, Abrams has reportedly agreed to direct the next film, which is due to hit theaters in 2015, per The Wrap.

The search for a director had included a who's who list of big names, including Steven Spielberg, Guillermo Del Toro, Matthew Vaughn, Brad Bird and many more. Michael Arndt is said to be writing the script.

In the meantime, Abrams has been keeping busy reviving another sci-fi classic series; his sequel Star Trek: Into Darkness is set to hit theaters May 17.

Steven Spielberg's 'Star Wars 7': Why It Should (And Shouldn't) Happen

With 'Robopocalypse' delayed indefinitely, Spielberg's next project is wide open — but should it take him to a galaxy far, far away?