While never launching one of his own mega franchises but possessing the uncanny knack of capturing the spirit of classic series and transferring them into soft reboot modern blockbusters (see Mission: Impossible 3 in 2006, Star Trek in 2009, Super 8 in 2011 where he bottled the 80’s magic of Spielberg and his magical way with child actors and The Force Awakens in 2015) J.J. Abrams is now looking for a permanent home to ‘encompass films, television series, digital content, music, games, consumer products, and theme park opportunities.’
The deal would see him secure a number of tentpole release dates each year for his movies, something only Spielberg has managed to secure in the past. Abrams real strength arguably lies in television where he has launched numerous series including Alias and Lost. Variety dig in to the details.
Abrams is eager to set a new high-water mark for the value of the deal, with some speculating he hopes for a pact worth half-a-billion dollars or more. The talks are being shepherded by CAA president Richard Lovett, Abrams’ agent, and attorneys Alan Wertheimer and Jim Jackoway of Jackoway Tyerman Wertheimer Austen Mandelbaum Morris & Klein, one of the insiders said.
Among those making the pitch to team Abrams: Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger and Disney studio chairman Alan Horn; Universal Filmed Entertainment Group chairman Jeff Shell and Universal Pictures chairman Donna Langley; and Warner Bros. Entertainment CEO Kevin Tsujihara.
While his business is currently split between Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Television, Abrams’ team is seeking to consolidate under one company and earn a considerable payday in the process, the insiders said. Though Abrams, with his ever-present spectacles and curly mop of jet black hair, is one of the most recognizable figures in Hollywood, the scope of the deal is surprising in certain respects. Unlike Spielberg, James Cameron, or George Lucas, Abrams hasn’t created one of the entertainment industry’s Tiffany franchises, an “Avatar,” “Star Wars,” or “Indiana Jones.” Instead, he’s been remarkably adept at re-fashioning venerable properties, such as “Star Trek,” for a new generation. Abrams and his emissaries kicked off a spree of meetings late last summer, according to three people familiar with the talks.
There is also the chance that a streaming service like Netflix or Amazon could swoop in for his services. The Disney Streaming Service is preparing to launch next year, and a slate of potential Star Wars series being lined up his undoubted skills in the GFFA, alongside the talents of Benioff and Weiss and Jon Favreau, could reap rewards as film and TV intertwine more and more. Watch this space.
