“Working with Michael was a wonderful experience and I couldn’t be a bigger fan of his or adore him more," Abrams said of the Oscar-winning writer. "He’s a wonderful guy and was incredibly helpful in the process." The director added that this change, "doesn’t preclude working with Michael again in the future. He is one of the best writers around.” Certainly, with Disney's plans to roll out at least three new Star Wars films over the next five years, there's plenty of Jedi storytelling to go around.
It is believed that Star Wars: Episode VII will usher in a new generation villains and heroes, with a possible focus on the children of the Solos and Skywalkers, though a new casting call may indicate otherwise. Appearances by Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford are rumored, though. Production will likely begin early next year with the film hitting theaters in 2015.