Much like their episodic next of kin, Disney has ensured that the Star Wars spinoff movies have remained cloaked in secrecy since their announcement. From what we understand, the studio intends to release a series of origin movies intermittently between the new-fangled trilogy, with rumors indicating that these standalone flicks will focus on the likes of Han Solo, Boba Fett and Yoda.
And though it remains unconfirmed, the latter character will purportedly act as the crux of Gareth Edwards’ spinoff film, which has The Book of Eli scribe Gary Whitta on board to write the script; until yesterday, that is, after The Hollywood Reporter learned that the screenwriter has left the as-yet-untitled Star Wars film to pursue a new project.
“The year I spent working with Lucasfilm on this Star Wars film has been by far the most rewarding period of my entire career. As a lifelong Star Wars fan I’m deeply grateful to have had the rare opportunity to contribute to a new chapter in its ongoing cinematic legacy. The film is going to be amazing.”
“Gary has been a wonderful, inspired contributor and I enjoyed working with him tremendously,” said Edwards in a statement. “I’m so grateful for all of his contributions.”
This isn’t the first time that a writer has left a Star Wars project. At one point, Oscar-winner Michael Arndt was attached to Episode VII, though Disney soon drafted in Empire Strikes Back screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan in October 2013. As for Whitta’s replacement, Disney is yet to announce who will be taking up the mantle in his stead. It’s understood that Whitta and Edwards have been collaborating on the screenplay since May 2014.
As for the scribe’s next venture, all signs appear to indicate that Whitta will move onto work on Fox’s adaptation of Starlight, a sci-fi comic book series coming by way of Mark Millar.
Whatever the outcome, we’ll keep you up to date on Gary Whitta’s next creative venture when more information appears. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is due to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2015.