“Star Wars or Star Trek”? I’ve always found this to be a ridiculous question. Yes, they’re both set in space and have the word “star” in their respective titles. That’s where the similarities end though. You do not have to choose one in favor of the other, though I’m sure sci-fi fans will beg to differ. It certainly hasn’t stopped J.J. Abrams from getting involved with both franchises, however, it seems the Super 8 director might have to end up committing to Star Wars after all.
Several people who worked on the Star Trek reboot, such as Damon Lindelof, Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzmann and Simon Pegg all wondered whether Abrams would be back for a third film, after wrapping up production on Star Trek Into Darkness and signing on to helm Star Wars: Episode VII.
Truthfully, nobody knows — not even Abrams himself. The filmmaker gave different versions on his plans in separate interviews with Playboy magazine and the New York Times (via The Playlist) — during the former, he seemed hopeful about the prospect of returning to the Star Trek franchise, as he said: “I would say it’s a possibility. We’re trying to figure out the next step. But it’s like anything: It all begins with the story,” whereas in the latter he showed reluctance to direct a third film, although he did state his production company Bad Robot would be developing it.
I bet he’ll end up choosing Star Wars. It wouldn’t make sense for him to work on Star Wars: Episode VII and then go back to directing Star Trek flicks as if nothing had happened — I’ve made my disdain for the “Star Trek vs. Star Wars” debate abundantly clear, but even I am aware of the rivalry between franchises, and so is Abrams.
Even though the director seemed to be enjoying his days aboard the Enterprise, J.J. Abrams’ future lies within a galaxy far, far away.
Star Trek Into Darkness will hit theaters on May 17, 2013, while Star Wars: Episode VII is slated for a 2015 release.