J.J. Abrams explains taking over Star Wars: Episode VII writing duties from Michael Arndt

When news broke that Oscar winner Michael Arndt was being replaced as screenwriter on STAR WARS: EPISODE VII by J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan, rumblings began to grow surrounding a potential troubled production on the first film in the new trilogy. Now, Abrams has broken the silence and explained why the change in writers has occurred.

During a conference call for Abrams upcoming FOX series ALMOST HUMAN, the producer and director shared this reason for the change.

“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,”

The timeframe of 2015 has been the subject of debate recently as well. Some sources have pointed to Lucasfilm and Abrams asking Disney to delay STAR WARS: EPISODE VII to 2016 and the studio refused. The EPISODE VII release date was announced immediately when the House of Mouse bought Lucasfilm last year and they are sticking to it.

Arndt was said to be a good way into the story for STAR WARS: EPISODE VII and with the tight schedule before filming begins next year precipitated the change. But, that doesn’t mean Arndt left for good.

“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. [This] doesn’t preclude working with Michael again in the future.” Abrams added, “he is one of the best writers around.”

Abrams and Kasdan are currently only working on STAR WARS: EPISODE VII which means Arndt could already be on his way to writing EPISODE VIII or IX. Arndt’s credentials speak for themselves as he has written LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, TOY STORY 3, and THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE. Hopefully he comes back, but like Abrams said, it could be worse for STAR WARS: EPISODE VII than having the man who wrote THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK at your side.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII opens in 2015.