<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"JJ Abrams turned down the chance to direct Star Wars Episode 7. The Star Trek Into Darkness helmer has revealed that he was approached early regarding Disney&amp;#039;s sequels but wanted to remain a simple fan rather than getting involved in the filmmaking process.   &amp;quot;There were the very early conversations and I quickly said that because of my loyalty to Star Trek, and also just being a fan [of Star Wars], I wouldn&amp;#039;t even want to be involved in the next version of those things,&amp;quot; he told Empire Magazine. &amp;quot;I declined any involvement very early on. I&amp;#039;d rather be in the audience not knowing what was coming, rather than being involved in the minutiae of making them.&amp;quot; There has been much speculation as to who will direct the new films. Creator George Lucas has said that he doesn&amp;#039;t &amp;quot;have much to do&amp;quot; on the new films.  &amp;quot;I guess the franchises could go up against each other, but I&amp;#039;m not thinking that far ahead!&amp;quot; Abrams added. &amp;quot;I&amp;#039;m a huge fan of Star Wars, Empire and Jedi, and the idea of the world continuing is exciting and will be amazing. Kathy Kennedy is a friend and there are no smarter producers. It&amp;#039;s in great hands.&amp;quot; Abrams&amp;#039;s Star Trek into Darkness will debut on May 14, 2013. Watch the trailer below:  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/star-wars/news/a447223/jj-abrams-turned-down-star-wars-episode-7-over-star-trek-loyalty/>