Late Friday night it was confirmed that J.J. Abrams will be directing Star Wars: Episode VII. Jar Jar jokes ensued and some people weren’t too thrilled by the news, but for the most part those sentiments were overshadowed by those by fans expressing excitement, because they know if there is a geek director who could bring back a movie franchise from the pits, it would have to be a man like Abrams.

Obviously such a signing would complicate things over at Paramount, the studio that holds the rights to Star Trek. But that same day it was confirmed that Abrams would still be involved with Star Trek III in a producer capacity. It was also confirmed that he would be producing the next Mission: Impossible film, clearing his schedule for Star Wars: Episode VII.

But THR has word now that he might not be able to make the 2015 deadline for the new Star Wars film.

According to the trade, Abrams has not fully committed to the release date, which means there is a possibility of Star Wars: Episode VII being pushed back to 2016 or further. As much as we would like to see The Avengers 2, Justice League, and Star Wars: Episode VII in one year alone, I would gladly accept one of the films being pushed back a few months to get it just right.

In addition to producing the two tentpole titles, two of Abrams’ latest creations were picked up by two networks (Believe by NBC; a robot cop show by Fox) . So don’t be completely surprised to hear that Star Wars: Episode VII is being pushed back, because the guy has a packed schedule.

Michael Arndt is currently writing the script for Star Wars: Episode VII.

[Source: THR]