Chloé Zhao Plays Cagey With ‘Star Wars’ Directing Questions: “It’s A World I Have So Much Reverence For”

Next month will see the release of the long-delayed Marvel Comics adaptation “Eternals” from Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao (“Nomandland“), its release date bumped several times thanks to the pandemic. Giving audiences a glimpse at what the filmmaker can do within the world of massive studio blockbusters, the superhero sci-fi flick is based on the characters created by comic book genius, Jack Kirby.

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In a recent chat with Empire Magazine (via Empire interviewer Al Horner’s Twitter account) to promote “Eternals,” Chloé Zhao was asked about her very-public love of “Star Wars” and whether she’d be interested in making one of those films one day. Noticeably, Zhao played cagey with the seemingly innocuous question.

“Hmmm. I have to tread very carefully with what I say here. [laughs],” the filmmaker said carefully. “Yes. Let’s just say, it’s a world I have so much reverence for because it was such an important part of my life. [laughs].”

Her cautious response has already given some the impression (or hope), that talks with Lucasfilm already could have taken place. Interestingly enough, Zhao shot a mystery project over the summer in L.A., leaving fans to further speculate with wishful “could it be?” thinking.

Talented cinematographer Greig Fraiser (“Dune,” “Rogue One,” “The Mandalorian,” “The Batman“) posted an image on Instagram in July (see below) teasing a secret project he was filming for Zhao that took place in Los Angeles, California. The post was quickly deleted adding to the fan theorizing.

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Fan theories are running the gamut of possibilities. Could she have shot a new “Eternals” an end-credit scene with a different DP? (Ben Davis is the cinematographer on the film). Could she be shooting tests for her sci-fi western “Dracula” movie at Universal Pictures? Or in theory, given her seemingly elusive comments, could she have already shot something “Star Wars” related? An episode of the Robert Rodriguez-produced “The Book of Boba Fett,” Deborah Chow‘s “Obi-Wan Kenobi” (which will feature “Eternals” actor Kumail Nanjiani in a role), or possibly tests for the third season of “The Mandalorian.” “Star Wars” series “Andor” shot in the U.K., so seemingly that one’s off the table, but either way, it’s just guesswork for now and it could easily be totally unrelated (and to take it further, who’s to say she doesn’t like the new “Star Wars” films at all, didn’t want to badmouth them, and her caginess was related to that).

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The mystery continues, but watch this space in case it turns out Zhao’s guarded comments turn into something real.