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" JJ Abrams has revealed that new Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy was crucial in convincing him to direct Star Wars Episode 7. The Star Trek Into Darkness filmmaker held a secret meeting with Kennedy and Episode 7 writers Michael Arndt and Lawrence Kasdan (Empire Strikes Back) on December 19, shortly after distancing himself from the blockbuster.   Kennedy told The Hollywood Reporter that Abrams &amp;quot;was flipping out when he found out that Michael and Larry were on the movie already&amp;quot;. Abrams added of his meetings with Kennedy: &amp;quot;I learned firsthand how incredible and persuasive she is. The thing about any pre-existing franchise - I&amp;#039;d sort of done that. But when I met with Kathy, it was suddenly very tantalising.&amp;quot; Video - Ewan McGregor discusses potential &amp;#039;Star Wars&amp;#039; return:      Kennedy recalled that after their first three-hour meeting, Abrams was &amp;quot;on the ceiling&amp;quot; about the prospect of making Episode 7. &amp;quot;If there was any pause on JJ&amp;#039;s part, it was the same pause everybody has - including myself - stepping into this,&amp;quot; she said. &amp;quot;Which is, it&amp;#039;s daunting.&amp;quot; Recent rumours surrounding Episode 7 have suggested that the film will revolve around a female protagonist. Photo gallery - 15 rare behind-the-scenes &amp;#039;Star Wars&amp;#039; pictures:  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/star-wars/news/a455273/jj-abrams-kathleen-kennedy-convinced-me-to-direct-star-wars-episode-7/>