Months before the release of Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens and two years before the eighth episode of the seminal franchise hits theaters in 2017, it has been announced that Jurassic World‘s director Colin Trevorrow will be in charge of Star Wars: Episode IX.
Back in July, we wrote about news that hinted at Colin Trevorrow being involved in this project, which would likely be announced during the Star Wars panel at Comic-Con – as reported by HeroicHollywood – but that didn’t happen. However, in their update, the website added information about some strong connections between producers from Jurassic World and Lucasfilm that could lead to Trevorrow being hired. It seems that was true, as it was confirmed during the D23 Expo this weekend.
So far, Disney’s plans include a Star Wars film every year, whether it is a new episode or a spin-off (which Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One will kick off next year), so Episode IX is set to release sometime in 2019. Rian Johnson, writer and director of Looper and Star Wars: Episode VIII, will also sign Episode IX‘s screenplay.
Colin Trevorrow directed the clever Safety Not Guaranteed in 2012 before the new trend of hiring indie directors to helm big movies caught up to him. He will write the Jurassic World sequel as well. This is how he expressed his enthusiasm about the Star Wars project:
“This is not a job or an assignment. It is a seat at a campfire, surrounded by an extraordinary group of storytellers, filmmakers, artists and craftspeople. We’ve been charged with telling new stories for a younger generation because they deserve what we all had—a mythology to call their own. We will do this by channeling something George Lucas instilled in all of us: boundless creativity, pure invention and hope.”
Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm, said that since she saw Safety Not Guaranteed she’s wanted to work with the director.
“The power of that film paired with the enormous success of Jurassic World speaks volumes about his abilities both as a storyteller and skilled filmmaker. We are thrilled to have such an incredible talent as Colin join our family and step into the Star Wars universe.”
This is great news for Trevorrow, but some critics and fans are still not convinced after being disappointed by Jurassic World.
What do you think? Can he pull it off or is it too soon to say?
