Alongside collaborator and composer Michael Giacchino, "Star Wars: Episode IX" director J.J. Abrams spoke with the BBC about the challenges and responsibilities of helming such a massive project. Asked if he feels an added pressure to help inspire the next generation of filmmakers, Abrams admits it's a bit of a balancing act.

"Well, it's certainly something that I'm aware of now working on Episode IX coming back into this world after having done Episode VII." said Abrams. "I feel like we need to approach this with the same excitement that we had when we were kids, loving what these movies were. At the same time we have to take them places they haven't gone and that's sort of our responsibility. So it's a strange thing.

"Michael has worked on things like "Planet of the Apes," "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" and these are the things of dreams and yet we can't just revel in that. We have to go elsewhere."

Reacting to a comment comparing the fervor that surrounds the "Star Wars" universe as almost religious, Giacchino says he embraces that part of the work.

"It almost is [religious]," said Giacchino "I mean look, a lot of time when you're working on these things you forget what they mean to people because you get so myopic. You're so focused on what you're doing. But out in the world it means *so* much to people when you go out to meet the fans at these conventions. You suddenly realize, 'Oh my god, that was me.' It's important not to forget that because it *is* important to people. They cherish these stories."

(conversation begins at approx 2:19:52)