Andy Serkis Calls J.J. Abrams A 'Brilliant Director'

by Helen Earnshaw | 7 April 2015

Andy Serkis has heaped praise on filmmaker J.J. Abrams, calling him 'a brilliant director.'

Andy Serkis

Serkis has teamed up with Abrams for the first time with Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as he is one of the new faces on a very exciting cast list.

The Force Awakens is the seventh film in the popular sci-fi series and Serkis reveals that Abrams has brought a lot of passion to his project.

Speaking to the Press Association, Serkis said: "He's such a delightful human being. When we first met, I thought, 'This is just terrific'.

"He's a brilliant director. He's so passionate about the subject matter and he's been wanting to bank this movie, or be involved in this franchise, for years.

"It's what inspired him to be a filmmaker, so to be on set with someone who has that amount of passion is deeply exciting."

Serkis is no stranger to the big budget blockbuster with the likes of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Planet of the Apes movie already under his belt. However, Serkis' character in the new film has not yet been revealed.

Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Adam Driver, and Lupita Nyong'o are some of the other new faces on board, while Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher will be back as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia.

As for Serkis, he is going to be back on the big screen later this month with Avengers: Age of Ultron and has been linked to the role of Ulysses Klaw in the film.

The actor is currently filming Jungle Book: Origins, which will be his feature film directorial debut. As well as being in the director's chair, he will also be bringing Baloo to life.

This is one of two Jungle Book movies on the horizon - the other being directed by Jon Favreau - and sees Benedict Cumberbatch, Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, and Naomie Harris all on board.