LOOPER Director Rian Johnson To Write/Direct STAR WARS EPISODES VIII And XI

Lucasfilm is putting together some of the best filmmakers for their new film universe. A new report from Deadline gives the best directing news to date. They say that Brick and Looper director Rian Johnson will take the Episodic reigns of Star Wars, for Episode VIII and Episode XI (some are claiming his is only doing the script treatment). This is confirming that Abrams won't be directing the next two installments, and his future within the Star Wars franchise is unknown.

We've been hearing for months that Lucasfilm has been meeting with directors to round out both the spin-offs and main trilogy. The Star Wars machine is now in full gear (taking cues from Marvel Studios) and needs to move forward. I believe J.J. was never going to direct the entire trilogy and his pre-production/script problems may have cemented that fate. They need the new generation like Rian Johnson, Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, Monsters) and Josh Trank (Chronicle, Fantastic Four) to keep the franchise fresh and inventive.

Rian Johnson is dedicated filmmaker and has the vision/originality to push the boundaries of the franchise. Rather than just paying homage to what has come before, I expect Johnson will add greatly to the existing universe. Fans should rejoice that we finally have an indie director back directing Star Wars, if this doesn't shut-up film nerds I don't know what will.



SOURCE: DEADLINE

BREAKING BAD's Jesse Plemons Confirmed For STAR WARS: EPISODE VII?

LatinoReview is reporting that Jesse Plemons (Battleship, The Master) is pretty much a lock for a major role in the next Star Wars trilogy. Giving the impression he'll be a supporting character in Episode VII and become a protagonist in Episode VIII. The role isn't named, but it's very likely it could be Luke's son Ben Skywalker. If true, this would make Jesse the first new addition to the third trilogy.

TheWrap had previously linked the Breaking Bad and Friday Night Lights star for a role in the film. Other actors previous linked or rumored for the film include Michael Fassbender, Hugo Weaving, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sullivan Stapleton and Benedict Cumberbatch. It had been said that Weaving and Cumberbatch were being looked at for villain roles.

Jesse Plemons of Friday Night Lights and Breaking Bad was heavily rumored to be under consideration for a lead role in Star Wars Episode VII. We heard that this is basically a locked deal, at least as locked as anyone can be at this point.

We expect Plemons’ involvement will be announced early on, but the Disney/Star Wars PR Plemons Plan, currently, is to confirm his involvement without naming his part. So we’ll get a confirmation, but not an official confirm that Plemons is playing Ben Skywalker, Luke’s son. Plemons’ character would be the main protagonist of Episode VIII. EIGHT!

SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

Could Alfonso Cuarón Direct STAR WARS EPISODE VIII?

MarketSaw has been one of the only non-trades on the pulse of the new Star Wars trilogy. They were the first ones to actually announce the new trilogy back in 2009 and took it on the chin because LucasFilm didn't confirm the news for ages. They also revealed the directors list for Episode VII which included runner-up Matthew Vaughn who was confirmed to have pitched to LucasFilm. Another name on that list was Alfonso Cuarón. The site is reporting that Alfonso is now lining-up to direct Episode VIII, Episode IX or both. If true,  J.J. Abrams might only be around for Episode VII.

The director is best known for the dystopian thriller Children of Men and his much more mature Harry Potter installment The Prisoner of Azkaban. His anticipated sci-fi thriller Gravity starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney will finally be released later this year. Alfonso Cuarón was reported back in September to be working with J.J. Abrams on an untitled supernatural/superpower series for NBC, which Alfonso would co-write/direct the pilot. It's very likely the relationship with Abrams has grown since along with the fact that Cuarón had been on LucasFilms' radar. We should keep in mind that three different directors made the original trilogy. It could be the studio is also aiming for a darker film with Episode VIII similar to Empire Strikes Back. Having Cuarón directing could find the right amount of darkness for a PG-13 film.

Michael Arndt Pens Treatment For STAR WARS EPISODE VII, VIII And IX?

Vulture and HeatVision are reporting that Oscar winning screenwriter Michael Arndt has written a 40-50-page treatment and is likely to pen a draft of the Star Wars Episode VII script. Arndt wrote scripts for Toy Story 3, Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Oblivion and Little Miss Sunshine, the latter earned him his Oscar.

UPDATE: Deadline reports that Michael Arndt's treatment is an outline for the trilogy not just one installment. It's not hard to imagine since the films usually have a three part story.

RUMOR: New STAR WARS Trilogy Gets Directors-List?

MarketSaw3D, who is touch and go when it comes to their sources/scoops has apparently learned of a group of possible directors for the new Star Wars trilogy. They include Steven Spielberg, Neill Blomkamp, Alfonso Cuaron, Matthew Vaughn, Darren Aronofsky and Joss Whedon. Take with a grain of salt, considering this isn't official information and won't be confirmed until a director is actually chosen.

Some of the names seem unlikely because of other commitments mainly Whedon and his overseeing of the Marvel films (directing Avengers 2). Darren seems cagey about signing up for a studio franchise with talks for Batman Begins and attaching himself for The Wolverine, only for him to walk. Aronofsky seemingly is enjoying his original material with Noah currently in production along with commitments for a few films for 20th Century Fox. I doubt while a strong candidate he would sign-on for a trilogy. That said, David Fincher is currently making 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea for Disney.

Blomkamp, like Aronofsky is doing fine with his own films and was burned back in the days of the Halo film. However, his ties to Peter Jackson could help bring some solid credibility to the franchise if Weta Workshop get's involved with sets and costumes. Vaughn seems a bit unpredictable as he recently jumped off the X-Men franchise to direct The Secret Service. He does seem like someone who could jump into the Star Wars universe without changing too much. Alfonso seems right too if they're albe to give him some creative and tonal wiggle-room.

Steven Spielberg has the strongest relationship with LucasFilm's new head Kathleen Kennedy as the two are longtime friends. Kathleen helped produce E.T., Poltergeist, The Color Purple, Temple of Doom, Empire of The Sun, Jurassic Park, Hook, Schindler's List, The Lost World, A.I., Munich, War of The Worlds, Kingdom of The Crystal Skull, Adventures of Tintin, War Horse and Lincoln. The only thing is that Spielberg has Robopocalypse shooting soon and Indiana Jones 5 in development. I'm sure the trilogy is his for the asking but doubtful he'll take it.

Five Directors Who Should Make Disney's STAR WARS Trilogy

It was reported today that Disney is making a whole new Star Wars trilogy. The first installment Star Wars: Episode VII is set to be released sometime in 2015. The studio has yet to name a director and it's expected that person would need to sign-on for the trilogy. Some dream names have been Edgar Wright, Guillermo del Toro, Matthew Vaughn, David Fincher, Sam Mendes, Danny Boyle, Christopher Nolan, Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg. How realistic are those choices? Not likely considering Disney would need a director to create an entire trilogy for them. They might be very unreachable because of the high demand and their other commitments to studio/original projects. However, I have a few ideas for who should be considered since Disney will be looking for a visionary to tackle a trilogy.

RIAN JOHNSON: Johnson's Looper has been a whirlwind of slick science fiction. While the prostectics used to make Joseph Gordon-Levitt look like Bruce Willis were less than convincing, the rest of the low budget film was fantastic. He could really dig deep for character development which Lucas' prequel trilogy was completely lacking. If we want a return to iconic anti-hero Star Wars characters like Solo or Lando, Rian would be the man to create them. He currently doesn't have an official project lined up but I'm sure he has a few original ideas he's mulling over. Disney would be smart to snatch him up before he's offered other franchises.

DUNCAN JONES: I'm sure his name will be thrown around the Disney offices currently. Duncan had been wanted for The Wolverine and Man of Steel but ultimately turned down the projects. His name is buzzing around Twitter and film blogs as film geeks' dream director. I can't say I feel different but he's  been trying to get his film Mute off the ground which could be a sticking point to him signing on. For him to direct a franchise project means they'd have to pay for original films to be made.

NEILL BLOMKAMP: Neill was once lined-up to direct a adaptation of Halo until the whole thing fell apart. Since then he's made two original science fiction films with District 9 and the upcoming Elysium starring Matt Damon. If anyone could create a new film universe for the Star Wars franchise it would be Neill. He would also bring back the worn/gritty look and dark tone of the original films. Blomkamp has worked inside the Hollywood machine previously and disliked it so I figure the only way to wrangle him is to give over creative control. Not sure how realistic that would be if Lucas is consulting on the films.

ALFONSO CUARON: While I consider him as the director to make the first good Harry Potter film. Alfonso is also known for some amazing science fiction with his film Children of Men. Which blew most away by it's bleak concept and excellent look/pacing. His next film Gravity is expected to blow audiences away and is highly anticipated. He might be the closet thing Disney has to landing someone as skilled as Christopher Nolan.

PETE TRAVIS: I've been Pete's biggest cheerleader lately, after the experience of seeing Dredd has really sunk-in. I think he has the ability to make a compelling science fiction action film (even with lackluster material to work from). Dredd seemed to be a film that was going to be a total disaster and turned out to be one of the most entertaining action films in a while for me. He's more of a popcorn director compared to the other names but would be able to make the films on the scale of the originals without breaking the bank. Pete was able to shoot some rather interesting action sequences (which some on this list are still learning how to put together). While I doubt he'll be considered I'll be rooting for him none-the-less.

Disney Confirms Plans For STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII And EPISODE IX

Deadline has word from Disney's Bob Iger on their acquiring of LucasFilm and Star Wars. Iger states that they have an "extensive treatment" for Star Wars: Episode VII, meaning that they're already moving forward with it's development. It very well might have an early draft put together for potential directors. They've even mapped out a trilogy, plans for Star Wars: Episode VIII and Star Wars: Episode IX are in the works. We could see the two sequels possibly released in 2017 and 2019.

“Episode 7 will be released in 2015, the first under the Disney/Lucas banner,” he said, with Episode 8 and Episode 9 to follow. Disney plans to release a new Star Wars movie “every two to three years.”