J.J. Abrams to direct new Star Wars flick

Wellington: Ending months of speculation over possible contenders like Christopher Nolan and Wes Anderson, fanboy favourite J.J. Abrams will direct the new Star Wars movie set to be released in 2015.

Abrams has been in the running ever since George Lucas sold his property to Disney, though he initially said he wasn't interested.

It appears that the much-praised director has changed his mind, and decided to take on the daunting task of restoring balance to the force, Stuff reported.

While there were other intriguing possibilities - Guillermo del Toro and Brad Bird - Abrams may be the smartest move for Disney.

Not only has he demonstrated his sci-fi chops with 'Lost' and 'Super 8', he has demonstrated an ability to resuscitate fading franchises with the well-received 'Mission Impossible III' and the critically acclaimed 'Star Trek' reboot.

Abrams will undoubtedly have the franchise's best interests at heart.

Back in 2009, he said, "As a kid, Star Wars was much more my thing than Star Trek was."