Tonight in Hollywood, a little movie called Star Wars: The Force Awakens has its premiere. While Disney executives will be feeling the pressure from Wall Street to make sure it’s the biggest box office hit of the year, director J.J. Abrams is feeling the pressure from fans and his bosses.
While Steven Spielberg isn’t directly involved with Star Wars, he has worked with Abrams before so he knows what’s going on in Abrams’ head. During an interview for CBS News’ 60 Minutes, the veteran director and friend of George Lucas said that Abrams is “terrified” right now.
“Oh, J.J. is terrified,” Spielberg said. “There's a lot of pressure on J.J. - to start paying Disney back for - you know, the franchise they bought from... George Lucas.”
Spielberg considers Abrams a friend and the two worked together on Super 8, which Abrams directed and Spielberg executive produced.
“He just reminded me of a cartoon character that was so full of magnetic energy and ideas coming out of him, sometimes just like sparks flying in all directions,” Spielberg told 60 Minutes. “He was just absolutely, deliriously, madly in love with the film business and with making movies.”
Abrams had initially turned down The Force Awakens, but it was Spielberg who pulled him back after hearing that Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy was considering him. During another segment on 60 Minutes, Spielberg explained how he helped convince Abrams to take the job.
The Force Awakens opens on Friday, but there are preview screenings on Thursday night.
