Director Announced for Star Wars: Episode VIII

Since Disney bought out the Star Wars franchise, all of the fans have been waiting for the new movies that have been announced. The filming of Episode VII is already underway under J.J. Abrams direction and the plan is to release a Star Wars film every year starting with Episode VII‘s release on December 18th, 2015.

Today it has been announced that Rian Johnson, known for directing Brick and Looper has been making plans to write and direct Star Wars: Episode VIII. Originally it was reported that Johnson was going to direct Episode IX as well, however The Hollywood Reporter has now confirmed Johnson is only lined up to provide a treatment for the saga-finale and that the director for the final film has not yet been decided.

So far there is no word on why J.J. Abrams won’t be keeping the directors chair. As for the spin offs that are also a part of the Star Wars franchise, it’s been reported we will be seeing Chronicle‘s Josh Trank and Godzilla’s Gareth Edwards are taking up the directing helm.