New Star Wars Movies Inspired More by Original Trilogy Than Expanded Universe

According to IGN, director J.J. Abrams and fellow screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan derived inspiration for The Force Awakens more from the original Star Wars trilogy as apposed to the expanded universe. Above all else, though, they were inspired by what seemed like the most fun to them.

“I think it had more to do with Jedi and the continuation of 4, 5 and 6,” said Kasdan “This is 7. We were aware, we were respectful of the canon, but we really wanted to tell a story that interested us and delighted us. We didn’t really want any rules and parameters.”

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy also commented on the future of Star Wars movies with Rian Johnson directing Episode VIII and Colin Trevorrow directing Episode IX.

“So far it’s going great,” she said. “J.J. and Rian have already talked at length because Rian’s about to start shooting Episode VIII. These guys [the cast] are getting ready to head over in January, and then Colin will start working with Rian and spend a lot of time on the set with us.”

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens on December 18th, 2015.