J.J. Abrams Wants the Original Cuts of Star Wars Restored

Ever since George Lucas tweaked with the original Star Wars trilogy, there has been a huge outcry from fans yearning for the original versions to be released. You know, the versions where Han shoots first? The version where Vader doesn’t scream “Nooooooo” before tossing the Emperor to his doom? Well, as it turns out, J.J. Abrams is right there with you. And while the Rise of Skywalker director respects Lucas’ overall vision, he does believe audiences deserve the original versions as well.

I guess it’s what George Lucas wanted,” Abrams told NowThis, “and that’s what he did, and so I respect that, although I also feel like there’s something about the original theatrical version that was, you know, for so many people, the thing they loved as it was. And so, you know, it would be great to have that available for a mainstream audience.”

Unfortunately, there are too many reasons that Abrams doesn’t “quite understand” that would make doing so nearly impossible. No matter. Fans have a brand new Star Wars film to look forward to next week!

RELATED: The Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Trailer is Here!!!

Returning cast members for The Rise of Skywalker include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast are Naomi Ackie (Doctor Who), Richard E. Grant (Logan), Dominic Monaghan (Lord of the Rings), and Keri Russell (The Americans), who will also be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian. The role of Leia Organa will once again be played by Carrie Fisher, using previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

In addition to directing, Abrams co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Terrio (Argo, Justice League). Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, and Abrams will produce, with Callum Greene and Jason McGatlin executive producing. Composer John Williams, who has scored every chapter in the Star Wars saga since 1977’s A New Hope, will return to a galaxy far, far away with Rise of Skywalker.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is scheduled for release on December 20.

J.J. Abrams is calling for the original versions of ‘Star Wars’ to be released pic.twitter.com/Hpcq1whPDX

— NowThis (@nowthisnews) December 12, 2019