Star Wars: The Last Jedi's Rian Johnson Eyed to Direct Episode IX

J.J. Abrams is also reportedly a contender.

By Lucy O'Brien

Rian Johnson is reportedly being eyed as a possible contender to helm Episode IX now that Colin Trevorrow has left the project.

Deadline reports that Johnson, who has been hard at work directing Star Wars: The Last Jedi, is the front contender to take on Episode IX. Similar to the structure of the MCU, it seems Star Wars' top brass is taking a 'my way or the highway' approach to the series, and Deadline claims Johnson has fit seamlessly into the "Lucasfilm machine". THR echoes this report, but also says A New Hope director J.J. Abrams is a popular choice to direct the now rudderless Episode.

Lucasfilm announced Trevorrow's departure today through the following statement:

"Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX. Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon."

Johnson has already shot one scene for Episode IX, and his own Star Wars flick will hit theaters on December 15, 2017. For more on The Next Jedi while you wait, check out the latest look.

Lucy O'Brien is Games & Entertainment Editor at IGN’s Sydney office. Follow her on Twitter.

Let's block ads! (Why?)