3. Tone
In line with this, though many non-fans might suggest that Star Trek and Star Wars are similar franchises, they are in fact very different. Star Trek is a more literate affair that deals with the life philosophies of various races the galaxy over, whereas Star Wars is a more spry, adventurous space opera that moves to consider internal politics, and later on, religious extremism in various forms. Though Abrams nailed the tone with Star Trek, specifically with regard to Spock's intellect and Nero's fatalism while promoting a sense of wonder all at the same time, he should know that Star Wars is a fundamentally different franchise that needs to be handled in a similarly delicate, but tonally different manner. Abrams likes grittiness; just look at Lost, Mission Impossible 3, Star Trek and Super 8 especially; these are all intense, studious properties which garnish their dead-seriousness with some humour on the periphery. Star Wars appeals far more to children than Star Trek ever has, and it will be interesting to see if Abrams can tone down the grit in favour of something more accessible to both fans of the original and kids just getting into Star Wars. Star Wars has always been about the childlike wonder of discovery, and to turn that into an excessively slick, intense affair would be to betray Lucas' vision, which even when it had severed hands and defenestration, still felt largely suitable for the younglings.