Lucasfilm chose a creative genius who helped them launch the rejuvenated phase of Star Wars movies and handed the reins of Star Wars: Episode IX to J.J. Abrams.
But why so? This is because the Star Wars universe needs stability more than anything. Star Wars movies seem to be safe bets. The audience for the new movies, especially the Saga movies that re-started with Star Wars: The Force Awakens is huge. Kids may not be very enthusiastic about a Han Solo film, or a Jabba the Hutt story.
But generations have dialed into the new plotline involving Rey (by Daisy Ridley), Finn (by John Boyega), Kylo Ren (by Adam Driver) and Snoke (by Andy Serkis), and Episode IX does have the potential to be massive.
And yes, we know that J.J. Abrams can stick the landing. He can deliver the conclusion that the trilogy needs. Most seeds of the new Skywalker saga had started with Abrams’ story points in The Force Awakens. Fans ask about Rey’s heritage and Luke’s exile. These are plot points and storylines that J.J. has to be aware of, and this would give him the opportunity to follow them to their conclusion.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a great Star Wars adventure. Well, it replicated Star Wars: A New Hope in some ways. But it reinvigorated a brand that had been damaged by a man who brought Star Wars to life.
As for J.J. Abrams, we believe that his success on Star Wars: The Force Awakens will empower him to dive into Episode IX with more confidence. He said that the fear of screwing up a franchise that he held in such great regard may have affected his decisions in the scheme of The Force Awakens. But we I do not think that doubt will hold Abrams back to prepare a conclusion for the saga that he started in 2015.
Star Wars universe is dealing with eggs on its face. High-profile firings of Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Colin Trevorrow do not do a lot in instilling confidence in the direction of the developing universe. Bringing J.J. Abrams back is a step to settle the fan base, and hand the creatives on the story over to a talented filmmaker.
