The next Star Wars film, Episode VIII, will be directed by Rian Johnson, best-known for directing films including Looper and several memorable episodes of Breaking Bad.
Johnson will also write the script for Star Wars: Episode VIII according to several sources. Ram Bergman will be part of the production team for Episode VIII.
Deadline is also reporting that Johnson will direct Episode IX, but other sources say that’s merely a rumor, although it is likely he will give his input into the story for the final episode of the new trilogy.
Johnson’s hiring is reportedly part of Lucasfilm’s strategy to hire young directors who grew up with the original Star Wars stories. JJ Abrams is currently filming Episode VII in the United Kingdom, and two stand-along Star Wars films will be helmed by Josh Trank (Chronicle) and Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, remake).
Star Wars: Episode VII is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2015.
