'Star Wars: Episode VII': William Shatner says J.J. Abrams will 'make a fabulous movie'

Phasers weren’t the only things set to stun when it was announced that Star Trek director J.J. Abrams would also be directing Episode VII in the Star Wars franchise. Fans of the two properties — who have long feuded over which franchise enjoyed true sci-fi superiority — did not quite know what to make of the same man now commanding both ships, so to speak. But what does the most famous face from Star Trek think about Abrams defecting over to the dark side…so to speak?

We asked Captain James T. Kirk himself for his thoughts on the matter when William Shatner stopped by the Entertainment Weekly Radio (SiriusXM, channel 105) studios this morning to chat about Trek and his new album — the appropriately titled Ponder the Mystery. Turns out, Shatner is excited to see what Abrams can do with the Star Wars saga while also giving him credit for his work on the Enterprise. “J.J. is a terrific director, and he gives you a great ride,” said Shatner. “He knows how to make the movie large with the special effects and everything. And that’s going to be wonderful. It’s going to be wonderful for both franchises. He certainly has enlivened Star Trek. I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s going to do because he’s going to do something different, that’s for sure.”

Shatner was also quick to give credit not only to Abrams, but to the entire team that has set about updating both Star Trek and Star Wars. “There are very few people who can make those kinds of movies, to have the sensibility,” said Shatner. He’s got a lot of wonderful people around him. He’ll make a fabulous movie.”

To hear more from Shatner on J.J. Abrams, Star Trek and Star Wars, click on the audio player below. And for more constant pop culture chatter, check out Entertainment Weekly Radio on SiriusXM, channel 105.