When STAR WARS: EPISODE VII was first announced it seemed like every filmmaker was asked if they were interested in directing the new film. Jon Favreau was at one point rumored to be one of the directors Disney was looking at to helm the movie, but in a conversation with MTV News at SXSW, Favreau says the job was never officially offered to him, although he would have taken it if asked.
"I didn't go after it, but it's one of those things that, as people would say they weren't going to do it, and as there were questions coming my way as to my availability… I was really scared of the idea that nobody was gonna [do it], and so if they had come to me, I don't know how you say no to that thing."
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After a long search Disney finally found their man with J.J. Abrams, and Jon Favreau thinks he's a great choice to direct the new STAR WARS adventure.
"He's great because he works with the old generation, and he works with the new generation. You see what he did with 'Star Trek.' He kept the fans satisfied, because he kept true to the spirit of it, and yet he made it something. That's a hard thing that I don't think anyone can accomplish except for him. He's uniquely qualified for it."
Jon Favreau can obviously film action and work with a big budget, but I'm glad Disney was able to convince J.J. Abrams to direct their project. He's a great fit for the material, and should do a fantastic job bringing STAR WARS back to the big screen. Maybe (if he's interested) Favreau will still get a chance to direct something STAR WARS related with one of the planned stand-alone films. Jon Favreau's BOBA FETT has a nice ring to it.
Jon Favreau's CHEF will be in theaters May 9th, 2014, and J.J. Abrams' STAR WARS: EPISODE VII is scheduled to be released on December 18th, 2015.
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