Saturday, March 21, 2015

Star Wars 8 Date, Spin-Off Title and Rumored 9 Director

A few bits of quick updates regarding the Star Wars movie franchise that is aiming for a release a year starting this December with Star Wars 7 The Force Awakens.

To start the first "spin-off" movie is titled "Star Wars: Rogue One" with a December 16, 2016 release date. The writer is Chris Weitz (Monsters, Godzilla) and the director will be Gareth Edwards (Cinderella, Antz) with Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything) starring. Rogue One, at least during the Expanded Universe (EU) era, referred to the leader of Rogue Squadron which was the Rebels (and later New Republic's) elite X-Wing squadron. Wedge Antilles and Luke Skywalker each had the moniker at some point. Since the EU is dead, that title could now mean anything. In addition, composer Alexandre Desplat (Grand Budapest Hotel, The Imitation Game) will create the score for the film.

Star Wars: Episode VIII's release date is now set for May 26, 2017 and marks the 40th Anniversary of the franchise. The director will be Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper, Breaking Bad).

The final bit is currently just an unconfirmed rumor. According to the Latino-Review (whose movie leaks are in the 50/50 range for accuracy) is reporting that Star Wars: Episode IX might be directed by JJ Abrams who will return to the helm after a break from Episode 7. Schedule wise it actually makes perfect sense as provides him enough of a break between films to recharge or do some other project but still allow plenty of time to prep the final installment of this trilogy set.