A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, we knew absolutely nothing with any certainty about Lucasfilm/Disney’s plans for more Star Wars movies, other than there were going to be more Star Wars movies. But now we have JJ Abrams’ toiling away on Star Wars: Episode VII, with a fully revealed cast, not to mention leaked set pics popping up every other day. And just two weeks ago, we also learned that Godzilla helmer Gareth Edwards would be directing a stand-alone Star Wars spinoff movie that will be independent from Abrams’ main trilogy of flicks.
Based on statements from Lucasfilm/Disney over the last year, as well as some very intriguing rumoured info, we knew that there are probably going to be at least 3 of these of these spinoffs, and now we also know who else is going to be directing one of them.
Lucasfilm\Disney have announced in a press release that Josh Trank, who burst onto the scene with the brilliant Chronicle and is currently busy shooting Fox’s Fantastic Four reboot, has been tapped for spinoff directing duty. Trank has thus far shown not just a good eye for both action and character, but also a great inventiveness behind the camera which could be just what the franchise needs, an opinion that Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy seems to agree with.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Josh into the family. He is such an incredible talent and has a great imagination and sense of innovation. That makes him perfectly suited to Star Wars, and for this new slate of movies that reach beyond the core characters and storylines of Episodes I through IX.”
Trank is very much a self-admitted geek, who grew up with the adventures of Luke Skywalker just like we did, and for whom this is a dream gig, as he explained.
“The magic of the Star Wars Universe defined my entire childhood. The opportunity to expand on that experience for future generations is the most incredible dream of all time.”
There’s no official mention though of exactly when this spinoff movie will be released or what it will be about, but if the movie lineup leaked last month is accurate, then Gareth Edwards’ effort scheduled for December 16, 2016 will be Boba Fett, while Trank’s film will be a Han Solo-centric offering released in 2018.
And yes, you may now commence with the obvious jokes about how Michael B. Jordan will be cast as a young Han Solo.
Last Updated: June 5, 2014
