Today brings word that Josh Trank, who previously directed the found-footage superhero flick Chronicle and is hard at work on Fox’s upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, has been signed to helm a Star Wars standalone film for Lucasfilm and Disney.
Trank is just the latest directing coup for the Star Wars franchise; Godzilla and Monsters helmer Gareth Edwards was signed to direct the first spinoff film last month. Gary Whitta will be writing the script for Edwards’ addition to the franchise, though no screenwriter has been announced for Trank’s project.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Josh into the family,” Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said in an official statement, adding:
“He is such an incredible talent and has a great imagination and sense of innovation. That makes him perfectly suited to Star Wars, and for this new slate of movies that reach beyond the core characters and storylines of Episodes I through IX.”
For his part, Trank stated:
“The magic of the Star Wars Universe defined my entire childhood. The opportunity to expand on that experience for future generations is the most incredible dream of all time.”
It’s no secret that Lucasfilm and Disney are hoping to bring Star Wars back in a big way outside of a new main trilogy, which will kick off with J.J. Abrams’ Episode VII next December. A potential X-Wing Squadron spinoff involving a group of pilots called the Red Five has also been teased, as has a Boba Fett-centric spinoff.
Trank is a big win for Lucasfilm and Disney; he’s a talented helmer and he clearly loves the Star Wars franchise. It’s going to be very exciting to see the director provide his spin on a standalone film that will work to expand the series universe, and I’m definitely behind this choice. With at least three planned spinoffs for Star Wars, it’s great to know that Kennedy and others involved with the iconic property are making sure to bring talented directors on board.
