Rumor no more! Not only has Disney/Lucasfilm now confirmed the release of standalone STAR WARS spinoff films, but now we know who will be directing the first entry. Gareth Edwards, who directed the currently playing box office bohemoth GODZILLA, is set to direct the first stand-alone film that will "offer new stories beyond the core Saga." Screenwriter Gary Whitta (THE BOOK OF ELI, AFTER EARTH) will write the film, which is set for a December 16, 2016 release date. No title or subject matter for the film has been announced.
Although there's been some divisiveness over the human characters in GODZILLA, Evans has been praised for his work in capturing the scope, tension, and excitement of the monster movie genre and will no doubt bring his unique vision to a galaxy far, far away.
"Ever since I saw Star Wars I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life – join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited & honored to go on this mission with Lucasfilm, said Edwards.
Whitta, who has worked on two features as well as Telltale Games The Walking Dead, expressed his excitement as well, saying:
"From the moment I first saw the original movie as a wide-eyed kid, Star Wars has been the single most profound inspiration to my imagination and to my career as a writer. It is deeply special to me,so to be given the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing legacy, especially in collaboration with a film-maker as talented as Gareth,is literally a dream come true. I'm still pinching myself."
There is no doubt that this is exciting news, but now the question becomes whether this will in fact be the Boba Fett movie we have been led to believe, the Han Solo origin, or another project entirely. What this most definitely means is that any sequel to GODZILLA will not be under the direction of Gareth Edwards. Hopefully Warner Bros is secure enough in that franchise starter to work with what Edwards has started.
So, what do you think STAR WARS fans? Do you like the choice of director? STAR WARS: EPISODE VII comes to us December 18, 2015.
