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JJ Abrams Will Return To Write & Direct Star Wars: Episode IX

September 12, 2017 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Seemingly keen not to repeat the troubled productions of Rogue One and the upcoming Han Solo Star Wars movie, Lucasfilm moved last week to part ways with Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow before they got to the point where cameras were rolling. While many were surprised by the news, it’s been suggested that Trevorrow’s tendency to be inflexible about what he wanted to do, frustrated Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy, and so she fired him.

However, it would appear that they already had a replacement in mind, and it’s the man who so successfully relaunched the Star Wars franchise with The Force Awakens – JJ Abrams. He is not set to write and direct Episode IX, allowing him to complete the trilogy that’s suggested will bring the Skywalker saga to a close. It is fitting, as it’s believed the only reason he didn’t helm Episode VIII was because Disney wasn’t willing to delay the release to give him more time to put things together.

Kathleen Kennedy comments, “With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy.”

It does mean though that the May 2019 release date currently set for Episode IX is now looking a little ambitious, The smart bet is that it will be delayed until at least December 2019 and may even arrive a little later. However, with Abrams back behind the wheel many fans will be happy to wait a little longer is it ensures we get something as entertaining as The Force Awakens.

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DIRECTORS: JJ Abrams, Colin Trevorrow FILMS: Star Wars: Episode IX

First Pic From Star Wars: Rogue One Emerges, While Colin Trevorrow Will Direct Episode IX

August 16, 2015 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Having spent billions to buy Lucasfilm, it’s not surprising Disney wants to make their money back. They’re certainly investing vast amounts of money to make the most of their investment, and they’re doing so before the first new Star Wars film has even arrived in cinemas.

JJ Abrams’ The Force Awakens, which is Episode VII of the central story, will arrive later this year, and another film based in the Star Wars universe, Rogue One, is already in production. As well as that, standalone movies about the likes of a young Han Solo are already being developed, and screenwriters are hard at work on Episodes VIII & IX.

Rian Johnson has previously been announced to direct Episode VIII, and now Disney has confirmed rumours that Jurassic World helmer Colin Trevorrow will take on Episode IX. While production won’t begin for a few years, Trevorrow is heading to Lucasfilm this year to begin working with artists and his fellow Star Wars directors. “Colin is someone I’ve been interested in working with ever since I saw Safety Not Guaranteed,” says Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “The power of that film paired with the enormous success of Jurassic World speaks volumes about his abilities both as a storyteller and skilled filmmaker. We are thrilled to have such an incredible talent as Colin join our family and step into the Star Wars universe.”

It should mean he still has time to helm the Jurassic World sequel which is due out in 2017.

Alongside the announcement of Trevorrow, Disney have released the first official pic from Rogue One, as well as the logo. They also confirmed the cast, which will include Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk and Riz Ahmed.

Gareth Edwards (Godzilla) is directing that more, which is set shortly before the events of A New Hope, and follows a rogue band of resistance fighters who unite for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans and bring new hope to the galaxy (AKA the plans that end up stowed away in R2D2 at the beginning of A New Hope). Take a look at the first pic from Rogue One above.

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ACTORS: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed DIRECTORS: Colin Trevorrow FILMS: Star Wars Rogue One, Star Wars: Episode IX

Rian Johnson To Direct Star Wars Episodes VII & IX

June 21, 2014 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

There had been an assumption that when JJ Abrams signed up to make Star Wars Episode VI, he would also make part VII and IX too. However it turns out he won’t, as it’s been announced that Looper and Brick director Rian Johnson has been hired to write and helm Star Wars: Episode VIII and Star Wars: Episode IX, according to Deadline.

It’s not clear why Abrams isn’t returning, but there’s speculation that while Disney wants Episodes VII and IX in 2017 and 2019, JJ’s tends to like to take his time putting all the pieces in place, so either he or Lucasfilm could have been worried he’d be unable to hit those deadline.

Johnson will also write the movies, which will be his primary focus for the next several years.

Abrams is currently on set helming Star Wars: Episode VII, with Josh Trank (The Fantastic Four) and Gareth Edwards (Godzilla) recently hired to direct to direct Star Wars spin-off movies, which will be released in the years between new instalments of the central story arc.

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DIRECTORS: Ruan Johnson, JJ Abrams FILMS: Star Wars: Episode VIII, Star Wars: Episode IX

Lawrence Kasdan & Simon Kinberg May Write Star Wars VIII & IX

November 21, 2012 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

After spending $4 billion on Lucasfilm, it doesn’t appear Disney is taking a gentle, see show it goes approach to Star Wars. Last week it was revealed that Michael Arndt had signed up to script Star Wars: Episode VII, and now it seems the House Of Mouse wants the scripts for Episodes VIII and IX written at the same time.

Both Deadline and THR report that sources have told them Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back screenwriter and director Lawrence Kasdan has been hired to pen the screenplay for Star Wars: Episode VIII. Kasdan also wrote Return of the Jedi and Raiders of the Lost Ark for Lucasfilm.

Screenwriter Simon Kinberg is likely to cover scripting duties on the final chapter in this upcoming new trilogy, Star Wars: Episode IX. He is best known for his work on X-Men: First Class and the Sherlock Holmes movies starring Robert Downey Jr..

It’s said that both Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg have already signed on, but Disney will not confirm that news at this time, so take it as a well sourced rumour for now. If all three films are indeed being written at essentially the same time, its likely that the three writers will be collaborating amongst themselves in terms of sorting through George Lucas detailed story notes.

The concurrent writing also has to make you wonder if Disney is planning to shoot the new trilogy back-to-back, which could be the most cost-effective way, and may also help get the original cast back if they know they can do it all at once, rather than running to and from the sets so Disney can make the films for release every two-to-three years. We’ll have to wait and see.

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FILMS: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars, Star Wars: Episode VIII, Star Wars: Episode IX