Abrams wants Ava DuVernay to direct a 'Star Wars' film

Filmmaker J.J. Abrams wants to change the fact that none of the "Star Wars" films have been directed by a woman so far. "The Force Awakens" director said he would want to see Ava DuVernay helm one of the franchise films.

"The knee-jerk reaction, if I had to, is Ava DuVernay, who I think would just kill it," Abrams said during a talk show when asked which female director he would choose to tackle the franchise, reports variety.com.

"She is as much a fan of genre movies, and hearing her talk about not just 'Star Wars', but hearing her talk about those kinds of films is evidence that she would just kill it.

"When you look at her work in 'Selma', which was as well-told and as sophisticated and humane a film as I think has come out in the last decade, if she can do that story that well, there's no question she would kill this movie," he added.

DuVernay responded to Abrams's comments on Wednesday on Twitter, writing: "The force is strong with this one."

Some of the directors who have previously helmed "Star Wars" films include George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Richard Marquand and Dave Filoni.