The producer behind the next generation of STAR WARS movies has confirmed STAR TREK director J.J. ABRAMS has been hired to oversee the new installment of the beloved sci-fi series.

After initially denying he was in the running for the job, industry gossip that the filmmaker was close to signing a deal with Lucasfilm's new owners Disney reached fever pitch earlier this week (begs21Jan12) - and now producer Kathleen Kennedy has announced that Abrams is the man to helm the seventh movie in the longrunning franchise.

A statement from Kennedy reads, "It's very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie. J.J. 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."

Creator George Lucas sold the franchise to Disney last year (12). Star Wars: Episode 7 will be released in 2015 with Lucas serving as creative consultant.