J.J. Abrams “regrets” not directing next Star Wars film

Director J.J. Abrams can’t help but feel “regret” after not returning for the next Star Wars movie.

Abrams did a fine job of bringing the franchise back to life with last year’s The Force Awakens and now he’s told Variety that he wishes he was at the helm once again:

“I’d be lying if I said there weren’t pangs of regret. Particularly when I realise I won’t get to say ‘Action!’ to Daisy Ridley, or get to work with Mark Hamill in a scene where he gets to speak.”

Next up in the Star Wars universe is spin-off movie Rogue One which arrives in December. There’s also a Han Solo standalone film in the works and Abrams seems positive about the future of the franchise:

“One of the many wonderful byproducts of the universe that George (Lucas) created is that nearly anything can happen within it. There are other stories that we can tell in that same transportive and transcendent spirit. Going forward, you’re going to see movies that shift tonally, some that are grittier and tougher, and some more comedic in nature.” he said.

Abrams has been replaced by Rian Johnson in the director’s chair for Episode 8 and it hits screens in December 2017.