Rian Johnson is in talks to write or direct the next two new ‘Star Wars’ films.
Disney and Lucasfilm have reportedly asked the ‘Breaking Bad’ director to take over from J.J. Abrams and direct the second movie, ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII,’ and also write a treatment for the third film, ‘Star Wars: Episode IX,’ according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Ram Bergman will produce with Johnson, who was initially rumoured to have signed on to both write and direct the second movie.
Although he has only directed three feature films to date, the 40-year-old moviemaker’s debut film, ‘Brick,’ was awarded the Special Jury Prize for Originality of Vision at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival.
He also won acclaim for his 2008 feature, ‘Brothers Bloom,’ and 2012’s sci-fi action drama, ‘Looper,’ starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis, which was a success at the box office bringing in $176 million worldwide.
The first new film in the franchise, ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ – starring Adam Driver, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Domhnall Gleeson and Lupita Nyong’o – is currently shooting in London under the helm of Abrams.
Sources told Variety.com that the cast and crew recently became aware that it would probably be the only instalment Abrams would be directing.
Rumours previously swirled that ‘Chronicle’ director Josh Trank and ‘Godzilla’ director Gareth Edwards were in talks to replace him.
Rian Johnson in talks for next two ‘Star Wars’ films
