The incredible career J.J. Abrams: How the 49-year-old 'Star Wars' director became this generation's Steven Spielberg

The 49-year-old director, writer, and producer has been at the helm of two reboots of iconic franchises set in space - "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" - and jumped into the action world by joining the "Mission: Impossible" franchise.

He's taken on the sci-fi world with his own film, "Super 8," which he produced with his idol Steven Spielberg. The film provides an obvious glimpse at the inspiration Spielberg's earlier films provided.

And even before the two had a chance to officially collaborate, Abrams, as a teen, helped refurbish old films for Spielberg.

Before he was a blockbuster director, Abrams was at the head of hit TV shows, creating or cocreating "Felicity," "Alias," and "Lost," which became a cultural hit.

With "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" breaking box-office records and Abrams primed to produce more hits, here's a look at his established career: