Another universe of sci-fi fans has been put in the hands of J.J. Abrams.

According to multiple trade reports, Abrams is set to direct the next instalment of Star Wars, which Disney said would be Episode 7 and due out in 2015.

Disney bought Star Wars maker Lucasfilm last month for $US4.06 billion ($3.9 billion).

The Emmy-award-winning director has also captained the reboot of Star Trek for rival studio Paramount Pictures, with the next instalment in that series, Star Trek: Into Darkness, set to hit theatres on May 17.

Citing unnamed sources, the news was reported earlier by Hollywood trade outlets The Wrap, The Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety.