Abrams will direct and also co-write the film with Chris Terrio.
See the official press release at the bottom of the story.
PREVIOUS EXCLUSIVE: Rian Johnson decided not to take the offer to come back and replace the recently departed Colin Trevorrow on Star Wars: Episode IX.
Now, Disney and Lucasfilm are courting another director for an encore, the one who relaunched the franchise to dizzying heights.
Deadline hears the studio is in talks with JJ Abrams, and sources said they are trying to work out a deal for him to return.
Abrams is in discussions to replace Trevorrow, who exited the picture after creative differences with Lucasfilm and its chief Kathleen Kennedy.
All this happens as Ron Howard stepped in to replace Phil Lord & Chris Miller as director of the Han Solo spinoff movie. »