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"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" director J.J. Abrams responded to fans' speculations about Rey's (Daisy Ridley) identity in the upcoming film "Star Wars Episode VIII". Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, January 12 at the Television Critics Association press tour, Abrams said, "I know quite a bit" about Rey's backstory.

"Obviously, it's not for me to talk about in this moment because this is Rian [Johnson]'s story to continue now and the last thing I'm going to do is reveal something that he would be upset about. I want to make sure that Rian gets the courtesy," Abrams said of the recent speculations saying that Rey could be a Kenobi or a Skywalker.

Abrams also set the record straight on "The Force Awakens" actor Greg Grunberg's comment saying that the director regretted not directing the upcoming sequel. Abrams said that Greg misinterpreted his comment. "Here's the thing about Greg," the 49-year-old filmmaker told the reporters. "You put a microphone in front of him and you never know what you're going to get. I love my friend Greg, he's been my best friend since kindergarten and I think that my enthusiasm for 'VIII' is enormous. I think he also might have invented a couple of the quotes that he gave."

Instead of regretting his decision, Abrams is completely excited about the upcoming sequel. "I am very much excited for and very jealous of anyone, especially Rian, who gets to work so close to this extraordinary cast and crew - truly an amazing group. So in that regard, sure," said Abrams, adding, "But honestly, I'm also relieved to have gotten that chance to do a 'Star Wars' movie."

In other news, Lucasfilm recently released the second wave of "The Force Awakens" toys featuring Rey after the #WheresRey controversy on Twitter. "This new wave of product has got key elements from the film. You see Rey with a saber, her blaster, and a number of other elements we wanted to hold back until the film had been released," said Paul Southern, head of Lucasfilm licensing. "The timing is good to try to address some of the social discussion that has been created through the 'Where's Rey?' movement."