Brad Bird, Steven Spielberg And J.J. Abrams Could Direct New STAR WARS Trilogy

Vulture reports that copies of this Star Wars Trilogy (Episodes VII, VIII and IX) treatment/outline from Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3, Oblivion, Catching Fire, Little Miss Sunshine) will be given to Brad Bird (Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol) Steven Spielberg (Robopocalypse) and J.J. Abrams (Star Trek Into Darkness) to read over. It's the first time we've heard the three directors linked to the trilogy by the trades. Previously, it had been rumored that writer/direct Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, Stardust, Layer Cake, X-Men First Class) was a possible candidate to direct.

I'm not totally sold that Abrams or Spielberg would end up signing on but it's interesting to hear them at least looking at the project. Bird is currently the fan favorite and could be in a better position to jump onboard. Considering Steven is about to shoot Robopcolypse while J.J. is still in post-production on Star Trek Into Darkess with Star Trek 3 already in development. Disney/LucasFilm will have to be moving quickly to be able to meet that Summer 2015 release date if they don't have a complete script in place.

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.

Will STAR WARS: EPISODE VII Be An Original Film?

It's starting to sound like Star Wars: Episode VII might have zero connection to existing canon/material. EOnline! seems to have confirmed from Disney that the new film trilogy will have original content and characters. Their source from LucasFilm stating "it's an original story". Giving the impression the books and comics won't be sourced. Not to mention the chances of the return of Luke, Leia and Solo is less likely now. This might anger fans who have been dying to see a Thrawn Trilogy but it's for the best. The way to separate this new trilogy from Lucas' other two is to create some fresh and exciting. Something made by new blood and the creative minds at LucasFilm.

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.