J.J. Abrams is behind some of the biggest pop culture shows and films of this century. From his humble start with Felicity then jumping into spy drama Alias, the mystery box LOST, then blockbuster films like Mission: Impossible III, Super 8, Star Trek, and, of course, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the upcoming Star Wars: Episode IX. And now it looks like he is ready to take his reach a bit further.

According to new reports, the filmmaker is looking to sign an all-encompassing megadeal with any studio that would include giving him the power to do whatever he wants. More on the report, below.

The NeverEnding Story
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen
Written by Wolfgang Petersen and Herman Weigel
Starring Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach, Alan Oppenheimer
Warner Bros. Entertainment
Rated PG | 102 minutes
Release Date: July 20, 1984

Fathom Events and Warner Brothers Entertainment have brought the 1984 classic The NeverEnding Story back to theaters for a special two-day engagement. The first day was Sunday, and my wife and I took our son to watch a movie we both grew up watching with such fond memories. The film is introduced by film critic Ben Lyons, and features a wonderful behind the scenes documentary “Reimagine the NeverEnding Story,” containing interviews with writer/director Wolfgang Petersen (Das Boot, Troy), and members of the cast and crew. The film, made in Germany was auspicious to say the least. This was 1984 and CGI was not around. All the sets, creatures, and characters were done the old school way; puppets, models, miniatures, and blue screen. The movie is based on the novel by Michael Ende, though his name doesn’t make the credits. Ende and Petersen got into a disagreement over the creative process and the author stormed away threatening to halt production, alas to no effect.

More below.