With J.J. Abrams off directing Star Wars: Episode VII and Gareth Edwards set to helm an undisclosed spin-off, Lucasfilm and Disney still have a great many decisions to make when it comes to the future of the franchise and today another one can be checked off the list. They’ve announced via a press release that Josh Trank, who broke out with Chronicle and is currently helming a Fantastic Four reboot, has been set for yet another spin-off film.
Per Disney, they hope to alternate entries in the main storyline with these spin-offs, so with Abrams’ feature set to bow in December 2015, Edwards’ spin-off in December 2016, we wouldn’t be surprised if Trank’s film — of which we know no details yet — arrived in 2018, after Episode 8. So, buckle in, there’s a lot more Star Wars to come. One can see the full press release below, along with a message from Abrams himself.
In addition to the episodes of a new Star Wars trilogy, Lucasfilm and Disney continue development of multiple stand-alone movies that will offer new stories beyond the core Saga. The newest director to come on board is Josh Trank.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Josh into the family,” says Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. “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 states, “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.”
Trank captured imaginations worldwide with his critically lauded directorial debut Chronicle, a fresh and engaging take on the superhero genre. Trank is currently at work on The Fantastic Four for 20th Century Fox.
J.J. Abrams' message to 'Star Wars: Episode VII' photo leaks: pic.twitter.com/afAGaDQ5aR
— The Film Stage (@TheFilmStage) June 4, 2014
What do you think of Trank directing a spin-off film?