Two days after the news broke, Disney has now officially confirmed that J.J. Abrams will be helming Star Wars Episode VII.

“It’s very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie,” producer Kathleen Kennedy said. “J.J. is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise. He understands the essence of the Star Wars experience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture.”

Star Wars creator George Lucas went on to say “I’ve consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller. He’s an ideal choice to direct the new Star Wars film and the legacy couldn’t be in better hands.”

“To be a part of the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, to collaborate with Kathy Kennedy and this remarkable group of people, is an absolute honor,” J.J. Abrams said. “I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid.”

Abrams, Bryan Burk and Kennedy will produce the movie for a 2015 release.