J.J. Abrams has finally spoken out about the writer change on the "Star Wars: Episode VII."
A few weeks ago fans were shocked when it was announced that Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan would replace original writer Michael Arndt. Abrams told Deadline during media conference that the time frame was too short to continue working with Arndt. He said, "It became clear that given the time frame and given the process and the way the thing was going that working with Larry in this way was going to get us where we need to be and when we needed to be... Working with Larry Kasdan, especially on a Star Wars movie is kind of unbeatable."
However, he complimented Arndt for the work that he did on the film. Abrams said, "Working with Michael was a wonderful experience and I couldn't be a bigger fan of his or adore him more. He's a wonderful guy and was incredibly helpful in the process."
Arndt is an Academy Award winner who is famous for writing the scripts to "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Toy Story 3." He has also worked on "Oblivion" and "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire."
"Star Wars: Episode VII" is currently in pre-production with Abrams directing the film. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy ("Lincoln"), Abrams and Bryan Burk will produce the film with Tommy Harper ("Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," "Jack Ryan," "Star Trek Into Darkness"). Meanwhile, Jason McGatlin ("The Adventures of Tintin" "War of the Worlds") will serve as executive producer and John Williams will be returning to score "Star Wars: Episode VII."
"Star Wars: Episode VII" is slated to shoot at the Pinewood Studios in the U.K. and will be released on Dec. 18, 2015.