Star Wars: Episode IX needs a new director.
For the second time in three months, Lucasfilm has announced a high-profile departure from that galaxy far, far away, though it seems the break-up between Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World) and the Star Wars house was much more amicable than, say, the firing of erstwhile Han Solo directors, Phil Lord and Chris Miller.
Details on this abrupt changeover are few and far between, but an official statement posted to the Lucasfilm website does give a little more context to the ongoing situation. The statement is fairly run of the mill, with the Powers That Be pointing to the ol’ ‘creative differences’ to explain this “mutual” decision between director and studio.
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.
Rumors of Trevorrow bowing out of Episode IX have been swirling for months now, and only grew in intensity after his heartfelt flick, The Book of Henry, was torn to shreds by critics. Adding fuel to the fire was the appointment of screenwriter Jack Thorne (Wonder), who was drafted in to polish Trevorrow and Derek Connolly’s initial script early last month.
In fact, sources close to the as-yet-untitled Star Wars sequel have claimed that Colin Trevorrow had submitted multiple drafts prior to Lucasfilm’s announcement, and it would appear none of those pitches were up to snuff. Perhaps Throne will help allay fears that Episode IX has succumbed to script troubles? Either way, in light of today’s news, the film is now in search of a new director.
Episode IX is still scheduled for release on May 24th, 2019. If Lucasfilm’s handling of the Han Solo fallout is anything to go by, we’ll have news of a replacement very soon indeed.
