Suvudu Universe

I've said it many times over the last few weeks, and I'll say it again: It's a great time to be a Star Wars fan!  Episode VII is filming, we've got a release date for the first stand-alone movie (directed by Gareth Edwards), and now...we've got a director for another stand-alone film!  Come inside to see the full press release announcing Josh Trank's involvment in the new film, as well as see J.J. Abrams' response to the Episode VII set leaks. 

First, let's get to the biggest news, in that Disney/Lucasfilm has announced that Josh Trank (who directed Chronicle and is currently working on the Fantastic Four reboot) has been hired to direct another stand-alone Star Wars film.  We already know Gareth Edwards is handling the first one (coming December 2016), but sadly today's announcement doesn't come with a release date. With Episode VIII set to hit in 2017, more than likely Trank's film will hit in 2018.

In addition to the episodes of a new Star Wars trilogy, Lucasfilm and Disney continue development of multiple stand-alone movies that will offer new stories beyond the core Saga. The newest director to come on board is Josh Trank.

"We're thrilled to welcome Josh into the family," says Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. "He is such an incredible talent and has a great imagination and sense of innovation. That makes him perfectly suited to Star Wars, and for this new slate of movies that reach beyond the core characters and storylines of Episodes I through IX."

Trank states, "The magic of the Star Wars Universe defined my entire childhood. The opportunity to expand on that experience for future generations is the most incredible dream of all time."

Trank captured imaginations worldwide with his critically lauded directorial debut Chronicle, a fresh and engaging take on the superhero genre. Trank is currently at work on The Fantastic Four for 20th Century Fox.

I'm excited about this.  I LOVED Chronicle, and even in my review of the film said it told a better fall to the dark side story than all of the Star Wars prequels.  Hopefully that'll translate well into this new film.  With this one being so far out, and him currently working on Fantastic Four, don't expect to hear any information anytime soon.

pic.twitter.com/wQYfaVtwFU

— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) June 4, 2014

Secondly, JJ Abrams took to twitter (via Bad Robot) to post what's has to be the perfect response to TMZ's recent set pic leaks.  It's cheeky as the note is clearly sitting on the holo-table from the famous Millenium Falcon scene in a new Hope, and essentially confirms all of the pics leaked...are accurate. 

Well done Mr. Abrams...well done.

-Jordan

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