Rian Johnson to Write and Direct Star Wars: Episode VIII!

Howdy ladies and gentlemen, time for a news update and what a piece of news it was. Seems like everything is going full steam ahead in the world of Star Wars with Episode VII filming away and the recent talks of the first spin-off going into production pretty soon too. And now news of the next chapter already with an interesting new face in the writing and directing chair. The following information comes from superherohype:

In a major update to the future of the Star Wars saga on the big screen, Deadline is reporting that Brick, Looperand The Brothers Bloom helmer Rian Johnson is making plans to write and direct Star Wars: Episode VIII. Although the outlet is also reporting that he’ll direct Star Wars: Episode IX, TheWrap claims that Johnson will only provide a treatment for the saga-finale and that a director for that final film has not yet been decided on. We’ll update with official word as soon as it’s available.

Johnson joins a seemingly ever-growing slate of top directors that are setting lightspeed coordinates for a galaxy far, far away. J.J. Abrams is currently filming Star Wars: Episode VII while both Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, Monsters) and Josh Trank (Chronicle) are planning to helm solo films. The plan is for a new Star Wars film to hit every year beginning with Episode VII on December 18, 2015.

Johnson took to Twitter as news of the deal broke, sharing his thoughts on the announcement via the below video clip from Phil Kaufman’s 1983 film The Right Stuff. (Please be aware, the clip does contain some strong language).

Well this is definitely a surprise, but a pleasant one for sure. While it was never confirmed that J.J. Abrams would direction the next episode in the Star Wars series, I am surprised to learn that they’ve announced plans for Episode VIII already. However if anyone is to handle the next main film in this series I am happy that it is Rian Johnson. I really loved Looper and knew that after that film he would probably direct some great films in the future, but he’s been fairly quiet over the last year and a bit (though he has directed a few episode of Breaking Bad), but now we know he’s taking on the beast that is Star Wars and if his previous directing efforts are anything to go by then I think we’re in good hands. The man knows sci-fi and seems to be able to direct actors pretty well so I’ll be curious to see how Episode VIII will differ from VII in terms of the style and tone of direction and writing too.

So what do you think of this news? Be sure to comment below and let me know yo! 😀