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Star Wars release date to be pushed back

Los Angeles - JJ Abrams hasn't committed to a 2015 Star Wars: Episode VII release date yet.

The Star Trek filmmaker was confirmed to direct the new Disney installment of the sci-fi adventure last week, but is allegedly likely to require the planned release date to be pushed back because of his busy schedule, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

As well as several TV pilots for next autumn, the prolific producer and filmmaker is tied up with Star Trek: Into Darkness's May release and is committed to producing the next chapters of the Mission Impossible and Star Trek franchises for Paramount.

JJ - who is known for taking his time with projects - recently said of his enviable new role: "It really is an incredible thing. It's obviously way too early to talk specifics, but I'm excited to actually start it."

'Wildly surreal'

He described taking over the franchise from creator George Lucas as "wildly surreal" and is looking forward to working with writer Michael Arndt to develop the script.

Disney and Lucasfilm's new boss Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement: "It's very exciting to have JJ aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie. JJ is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise.

"He understands the essence of the Star Wars experience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture."
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