Although his name is now synonymous with jaw-dropping action set pieces and lens flares, J.J. Abrams first made it big on the small screen with the teen drama "Felicity." Ever since then, strong female characters have been sort of a calling card for Abrams (Sydney Bristow, Kate Austen, Olivia Dunham, etc.) so when it came time to direct "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," he was committed to making the sci-fi epic a bit more friendly to female fans.
Abrams sat down with "Good Morning America" on Monday to discuss the impending release of the most anticipated movie of the year. He shared what "Star Wars" has meant to him and what he hopes it will mean for fans who have already made the film a resounding success.
"It was a mind-blowing thing because this movie, it was the first time a film that was kind of a fantasy movie looked so real and so authentic," Abrams revealed to "GMA" about watching "Star Wars" as an 11-year-old. "It was funny and romantic and exciting and adventurous, and it had amazing characters ... And as a kid, it was literally a mind-blowing, mind-altering experience."
In the past, "Star Wars" has attracted a heavily male audience, but with this installment, Abrams cast Daisy Ridley as the primary protagonist for the express purpose of attracting more female viewers.
"'Star Wars' was always a boys' thing and a movie that dads could take their sons to, and though that's still very much the case, I was really hoping this could be a movie that mothers could take their daughters to, as well," he said. "I'm looking forward to kids seeing this movie and seeing themselves in it and seeing that they're capable of doing things that they never imagined possible."
If there's anyone to make the impossible possible, it's Abrams.
And now for a perfect blending of past and present, here's Keri Russell giving Tom Cruise a run for his money in "Mission Impossible 3." We are forever grateful, J.J..
'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'
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Open Image ModalChewbacca and Han Solo. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalBB8 peeks around a corner. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalA First Order TIE Fighter chases the Millennium Falcon into the remains of a starship. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalThe passing of a lightsaber. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalA troubled Finn in First Order stormtrooper armor. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalKylo Ren attacks. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalRey, Finn and BB8 on the run from TIE Fighters on Jakku. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalA hooded figure places a hand on R2-D2. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalThe First Order assembles. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalKylo Ren leads First Order stormtroopers. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalRey helps Finn on Jakku. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalRey and Finn run from First Order stormtroopers. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalCaptain Phasma walks menacingly. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalC-3PO (with his new red arm) and R2-D2. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalThe Finalizer, a First Order Star Destroyer reminiscent of Imperial Battleships. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalRey readies BB-8 for transport with the scavenger and his semi-mechanical Luggabeast. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalPoe Dameron walks from his X-wing. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalA First Order TIE Fighter chases the Millennium Falcon. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalGeneral Hux of the First Order. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalFinn arrives at a crashed TIE Fighter. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalCaptain Phasma of the First Order. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalFirst Order stormtroopers gather. (credit:Lucasfilm)
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Open Image ModalRey looks determined on Jakku. (credit:Lucasfilm)