A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” fans did not get along. Now, they might just be forced to, with J.J. Abrams directing and producing the “next generation” of movies for both franchises.

Abrams has accomplished so much in his career already by directing movies and television shows such as “Lost,” “Super 8,” “The Office,” and even the newest generation of “Star Trek” movies. Now Abrams must rise to his greatest challenge in directing and producing Episodes VII, VIII, and IX of “Star Wars.”

Disney, after buying Lucasfilm, now decides the fate of the franchise, and has bestowed this honor upon him. The continuation of the “Star Wars” series now lies in Abrams’ hands.

After seeing what Abrams has done with “Star Trek”, it is comforting to a nerd like me to know that he is involved with the continuation of the Star Wars movie series. The fact that Disney has purchased Lucasfilm is not as troubling with him around. With Abrams as director and producer, I cannot imagine “Star Wars” becoming just a series of stereotypical Disney children’s movies.

It is hard to think of many directions to go with the series, especially since Master Yoda and Darth Vader are kind of, well, dead. I would bet that not even J.J. Abrams himself knows just yet where the story is going. What has been confirmed about the new movies is a few actors and their matching roles. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fischer and Harrison Ford are all to play their original characters. This is sure to be an interesting cast for the next three, and possibly six, movies. It has also been confirmed that our wonderful robotic friends C-3PO and R2-D2, will be returning to the new episodes as well. Having these iconic characters are just as sure to make the new trilogy more enjoyable for the audience by alluding to the first six movies.

With Abrams now in charge, no one can be sure of what will come of the new trilogy. We can only have faith that he will try to focus more on the dramatic elements of the plotline. These movies, as well as the “Star Trek” series, and his upcoming “Portal” and “Half-life” movies, will make or break Abrams’ career as a director. May the force be with him.