The force looks to be with JJ Abrams at the moment after news broke out last night that the sci-fi film-maker was set to become director of the hugely-anticipated Star Wars: Episode 7.

The Wrap uncovered the story last night revealing that the Star Trek and Super 8 helmer would take charge of the newest chapter in the Star Wars franchise after it was bought from Lucasfilm by Disney back in October.

Oscar-winning writer/director Ben Affleck (The Town, Argo) was also in the running for the job but has missed out with Abrams getting the nod instead. He had originally ruled himself out of doing it because of his allegiance to Star Trek but seems to have changed his mind. Official word of the news is still to be announced by Disney.

The audacious project has already brought in Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3) to pen the script while original actors Mark Hammil (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Harrison Ford (Han Solo) and Ewan McGregor (Young Obi-Wan Kenobi) have all expressed their desires to return to the popular series. The release date is currently set for 2015.

One can’t help but be reminded of what happened the last time a director made two similar films based on the same sub-genre (*cough* Bryan Singer *cough*) but there is no doubt that Abrams is well-liked amongst film audiences and should be seen as an inspired choice.

Hopefully his upcoming blockbuster sequel Star Trek into Darkness should prove to nervy Star Wars fans that he is the right man for the job. May the force be with him!