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From ‘Felicity’ to ‘Star Wars:’ The world of J.J. Abrams
Buzz surrounding “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” was intense, and for many fans of the franchise Abrams addition to the saga didn’t disappoint. “The Force is back. Big time,” said <a href=”http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/16/entertainment/star-wars-review-thr/index.html”>The Hollywood Reporter</a>.From ‘Felicity’ to ‘Star Wars:’ The world of J.J. Abrams — J.J. Abrams produced 2016’s “10 Cloverfield Lane,” a followup to “Cloverfield,” about a monster that terrorizes New York City. He says the new flick isn’t a sequel but a “spiritual successor” to the 2008 movie.Abrams has inherited the legacy of George Lucas, having scored the job of director for “Star Wars Episode VII.” He is also guiding the rebooted “Star Trek” franchise on the big screen. It was not obvious from his early career, however, that he was destined for sci-fi greatness.One of Abrams’ earliest Hollywood successes was his script for the hit movie “Regarding Henry,” starring Harrison Ford as a husband and father starting over after amnesia.Abrams created “Felicity” for the WB in 1998. The soap about a college love triangle was a hit for the network, and the drama around Keri Russell’s hair made headlines.Jennifer Garner became a household name in 2001 with ABC’s “Alias,” a show Abrams came up with after imagining what Felicity might be like as a CIA spy. Here the cast and crew, including a young Bradley Cooper, celebrated their People’s Choice Award in 2002.“Alias” made Abrams seem like a natural choice to continue Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible” franchise. “Mission: Impossible III” in 2006 was Abrams’ feature film debut as a director. He went on to produce “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” in 2011 and will reportedly produce the fifth film in the series.Continuing his television career, Abrams co-created Fox’s cult sci-fi series “Fringe,” which wrapped up with a 100-episode run.Abrams went high-concept again as executive producer for NBC’s “Revolution.” The series imagines the aftermath of a world without electronics. It has been one of the biggest success stories of the season for network TV.
