Here’s what we officially know so far about the new slate of "Star Wars" films: The J.J. Abrams directed "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" arrives later this year (duh); 2016 will bring the Gareth Edwards helmed "Star Wars: Rogue One" starring Felicity Jones; and 2017 will see the Rian Johnson written and directed "Star Wars: Episode VIII." But according to this latest rumor, Abrams won’t be leaving the galaxy completely.
Latino Review is reporting that there is a "good chance" Abrams will be back to direct "Star Wars: Episode IX." Disney is apparently very happy with what they’ve seen so far from ‘The Force Awakens,’ and Abrams has the "front-runner" position for the job. But will he take it? It’s worth remembering that he and producer Kathleen Kennedy petitioned for a 2016 release date for his movie, but were turned down by the studio who wanted it this year. And that’s on top of having to be convinced to release a trailer in December, a step the normally secretive filmmaker likes to keep until much later in his process.
Perhaps all that matters is that he delivered the "Star Wars" movie he wanted to make. However, it should be noted that early reports have Rian Johnson writing the treatment for ‘Episode IX,’ so I wouldn’t rule him out as a contender either. Anyway, lots to talk about so hit up the comments section and let us know if you want Abrams, Johnson or someone else entirely for ‘Episode IX.’
Let\’s resurrect the other who understand matinee serials Kerry Conran
I like my "Star Wars" with some "Empire-y" gravitas so I\’d go with Sam Mendes once he wrapped "Spectre" (with Deakins behind the camera).
Joe Kosinski…
Slither is nothing but a sub par knock off of the already sub par "Night of the Creeps". Gunn hadn\’t showed any aptitude for writing *or* directing before Guardians. It was a complete mystery to me why people kept throwing him work.
I really want Matthew Vaughn to do a Star Wars movie, so him doing IX IMO would be spectacular
You didn\’t actually watch Slither or Super, did you?
Abrams is going to have such a big influence on episodes 8 and 9 anyways it makes sense! I love JJ Abrams and his work, and I am 100% on board with him directing 9 as well.
Ok, but can you write about something interesting now…. because this is dull news.
To DEREK B DUMB – Anyway, we can\’t talk of bankable director for the seventies period. Blockbusters era begin with Jaws. So, every director was kind of art house creator (Kubrick was young when he direct Spartacus).
And a newcomer can do blockbuster. One name: Blomkamp (with District 9)
You didn’t actually watch Slither or Super, did you?
I really like Rian Johnson as a person and a film maker. I would like to see him succeed and return, if he doesn\’t want to return I think they beg Christopher Nolan or Spielberg, if he refuse, and he will, Bring in Edgar Wright
Spielberg was not an "art house" director when he made Jaws. Made three big TV movies, and a studio feature just prior. James Gunn was unlikely (hardly art house, just small time), but most Marvel director picks are a little left of center, cuz they like to hire cheap. Usually it means a director with no vision, Gunn bucked the trend. But w/ Star Wars no expense will be spared, the best person will be found. And no crazy risks will be taken. Like hiring a dude who\’s made one movie (Demange) — that came out like 2 months ago — to make one of the most anticipated sequels ever. Bong Joon Ho is a more plausible choice, but why would they hire a guy who barely speaks english to direct a MASSIVE english language film (yeah he did fine with Snowpiercer, but these folks aren\’t taking chances). In the realm of actual possibility, — who knows? I\’d say Trank, but he\’s already booked for a spin off. Who else is there, really? They\’re only gonna go for someone who\’s done a sci fi or action thing. The list of promising young and/or interesting directors will such a pic on their CV is short.
Joey Joe Joe Junior Shabadoo should direct!
Zack Snyder
CUARON!
George Lucas should direct Episode IX! He\’ll remind us why practical effects are garbage compared to awesome all-CG landscapes!
I kid, of course. I\’d be cool with Abrams returning, assuming VII is amazing. If not him, Paul Verhoeven. It\’s shocking that one of the greatest directors isn\’t in demand. Practically his entire filmography is being remade with terrible results. He\’d deliver a badass Star Wars film.
And if James Gunn was an unlikely art house choice when they picked him to direct Guardian of the Galaxy? And if Spielberg was a unlikely art house director when he directed Jaws? 😉
Gotta love the suggestions for director. Impossibly unlikely art house choice! Another impossibly unlikely arthouse choice! Or the most commercially successful director of our time!
Dude…. pick a team.
I\’m gonna roll with James Gunn. A man responsible for nothing but terrible movies until he wrote and directed the most Star-Wars-like film in decades.
Different director for each one please. Bring Bong Joon-Ho, Yann Demange… or Spielberg?
Brad freakin Bird
Oh god, please no…