Afterthought: JJ Abrams regrets not directing 'Star Wars Episode VIII'

Filmmaker JJ Abrams says he regrets not directing Star Wars Episode VIII.

The Star Wars: The Force Awakens filmmaker recently opened up about his feeling on giving up the helming duty of Star Wars Episode VIII, which is currently being directed by Rian Johnson, reported Aceshowbiz.

"I'd be lying if I said there weren't pangs of regret. Particularly when I realise I won't get to say 'Action!' to Daisy Ridley, or get to work with Mark Hamill in a scene where he gets to speak," said the 50-year-old director, who is now serving as an executive producer for Episode VIII.

The movie is set for a December 15, 2017 release. In addition to Ridley and Hamill, the returning cast includes John Boyega, Oscar Isaac Carrie Fisher, Gwendoline Christie, Domhnall Gleeson, Lupita Nyong'o, Andy Serkis, and Adam Driver.

They are joined by Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern and Kelly Marie Tran.