Columnist Esther Zuckerman doesn’t paint a very pretty picture of current Star Trek guru J.J. Abrams in her recent article for The Atlantic Wire. In her piece titled “J.J. Abrams May Have Taken ‘Star Wars’ Because of William Shatner Merchandise” she more than hints at the notion that Mr. Abrams, who in the past has made it known that he wasn’t a fan of Trek as a kid, was more than eager to take on the Star Wars franchise at Disney’s behest more for the merchandising attachment than to any great love for the Lucas creation.

It would appear that Disney is more than willing to work some kind of merchandising deal with Abrams while Paramount/CBS apparently has not been as eager to let go of their grip over control of the half-century blockbuster Trek universe when it comes to comic book futures, coffee mugs, ad infinitum.

Also, the parent company of Trek has maintained its desire to continue putting out merchandise with original series character likeness, i.e., William Shatner and company, along with the new faces of Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto. Abrams wanted to nix the old guys completely for the new kids on the block but CBS and Paramount roadblocked his efforts.

Now it would appear Abrams and his production company Bad Robot may have more free reign in the realm of Star Wars to merchandise pretty much whatever he can dream up.