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Ask J.J. Abrams

J.J. Abrams Claudio Onorati / EPA / Corbis

J.J. Abrams has done it all—writing, producing and directing for television and movies. His hit shows such as Alias, Lost, and Fringe have earned him a tremendous following that makes his trips to the box office that much more profitable. A viral marketing campaign made 2008's Cloverfield a smash; this time at the multiplex, Abrams is rebooting one of TV's most popular franchises. The feature film Star Trek hits theaters May 8, making it the 11th movie based on the TV show. Submit your questions for J.J. Abrams below, then read the interview in an upcoming issue of TIME magazine.

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  • 1

    Hello,

    With Lost entering it's last season there won't probably be much time left, but is there a chance of you directing another episode ? Do you have dibs on the series finale ? And when will we see you directing a Fringe-episode ?

  • 2

    Hey JJ, Big fan here. I heard that one of your next ventures will be making a big screen reboot of the hit show My Mother the Car. I know that it might be too early, but can you confirm that you are in talks with casting Christopher Walken as David Crabtree and Estelle Getty as Gladys?

  • 3

    While the foundation of all of your series is strong central characters and their relationships, the themes of the series have been as varied as fantasy, sci-fi, CIA thrillers, and quirky dramas. Do you have plans for another television series, and if so, in what direction thematically will you be going?

  • 4

    (About Star Trek) How much of Rodenberry's vision/philosophy are you keeping, and what are you changing for the new generations?

  • 5

    As a librarian, I'm curious as to your favorite book as a child?

  • 6

    Who is your favorite character on Lost, and why?

  • 7

    I've heard you say that you are not a dork since you were the quarterback in high school. Don't you think that's a pretty tough argument now that you've directed Star Trek?

  • 8

    You've said that you are not a dork since you were the quarterback in high school. Don't you think that's a pretty tough argument now that you've directed Star Trek?

  • 9

    why take the challenge of doing a movie which have a large cult following and the possiblity of a sequel if so is there a possibilty of william shanter in next one

  • 10

    What is it about James T. Kirk that drives him to mate with every life-form in the galaxy?

  • 11

    Your characters are intelligent, multi-dimensional and often conflicted. Why does the American public resonate so well with these complex figures?

  • 12

    Hi

    Having already successfully tackled a franchise film with a fanatic fan base, how confident would you be directing an instalment of the 'Star Wars' franchise if the opportunity presented itself?

  • 13

    What is the one movie you MUST make in your lifetime?

  • 14

    You have a history of wildly original television series based around universal ideas - "Alias" is a spy show with a rich and complex endgame, and "Lost" is a castaway story that takes a trip down the rabbit hole. However, the movies you've directed so far have been remakes of old television series. Do you think television is more receptive to new ideas, or is there any chance of seeing an original Abrams concept on the big screen?

  • 15

    You are renowned for your complex and unpredictable plots. What is your favorite plot twist of all time, from any TV show, movie, or book?

  • 16

    What has been your favorite creation? And why?

    What has been your toughest moment while working on a project?

  • 17

    Question: Did your parents keep secrets from you as a child?

    I only ask because I want to understand your reasoning for revealing so little over such a long period of time!

    WHAT IS THE ISLAND!?

  • 18

    I became American citizen because of our Constitution. Within few pages we have all the laws and all the freedom. Our constitution says that president must be natural born citizen. Why media does check Barack Hussein O's credentials?
    In my (And 54 million ther Americans) opinion Barack is here (USA) Illegally.

    He has spent about million dollars fighting cases against him. Think why hw has not spent ONLY $20.00 birth certificate showing which hospital he was born. But he has not done so.
    He travelled to Pakistan on Indonesian passport. He became Indonesian citizen. No record about he becoming American again. His gramdmother From Kenya) said that he was born in Kenya and she was in the hospital.

  • 19

    Your television series aren't really about agents, mysterious islands or mad scientists, but about dysfunctional families. Why?

  • 20

    Your TV shows are incredible, but I would like to know if you watch any TV yourself? If so, what is your favorite TV show?

  • 21

    Just wanted to thank you for Lost, it's one of (if not) the greatest shows out there. Is the direction the show has gone into the same idea you envisioned when the show first began?

  • 22

    Will there be a sequel to Cloverfield?

  • 23

    Do you think 'Lost' has impacted the genre of drama television, or as a matter of fact, television as a medium itself? And will we ever see anything like 'Lost' on television ever again?

  • 24

    based on your personal experience what do you find most creatively challenging? Writing or Directing?

  • 25

    Hello JJ Abrams:
    I admired everything you've done so far. How can I make it as a producer in Hollywood? Let me be direct: Would you take me under your wind and show me the steps? No strings attached.....I promise "in writing" to give you every step of the way 300%. A HUGE fan....

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