Gareth Edwards has been confirmed to direct the first STAR WARS spin-off film, arriving in 2016 between EPISODE VII and EPISODE VIII. The director will helm the project with a screenplay by Gary Whitta (THE BOOK OF ELI).
Edwards’ career took off recently thanks to his supremely successful GODZILLA reboot, a gig he won after writing, directing and creating the visual effects for his first feature film, MONSTERS. It seems Edwards is a huge STAR WARS fan, so it’s a sensible choice by Disney and Lucasfilm:
‘Ever since I saw STAR WARS I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life – join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited and honoured to go on this mission with Lucasfilm.’
It’s not yet known which character Edwards’ spin-off will focus on, though rumours have circulated about Lucasfilm planning solo films for Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Yoda.
Edwards’ reference to the Rebel Alliance might well be a sly hint at the rumours of a film surrounding Red Five (Luke’s pilot designation in the first Death Star attack), but a recently leaked six-year plan suggests this first spin-off will tell the tale of bounty hunter Boba Fett.
The first STAR WARS spin-off is due to hit cinemas on 16th December, 2016. J.J. Abrams’ STAR WARS: EPISODE VII will open a year before on 18th December, 2015.
Source: starwars.com
