Gareth Edwards to Direct 'Star Wars' Spinoff for 2016 Release

Fresh off the 'monster' success of Godzilla, director Gareth Edwards has been set to helm the Disney/Lucasfilm Star Wars spinoff, now officially set for a December 16th, 2016 release date.

Edwards was thought to be following up his fine work on Godzilla with a straight up sequel, but it looks like the powers-that-be over at Disney and Lucasfilm intervened and nabbed the filmmaker to helm their film next.  And really, how can you say no to a Star Wars movie?

Edwards is apparently still set to direct not only Godzilla 2 but Godzilla 3 as well, completing a trilogy.  Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull had this to say:

“Gareth's filmmaking talent makes him one of his generation's most creative and visionary directors.  The plan has always been for Gareth to direct a different film before we started on another Godzilla, but who knew it would a Star Wars installment? We have a great plan in store for Godzilla fans and I am looking forward to seeing Gareth’s imprint on the Star Wars universe.”

In terms of this new Star Wars movie, it is not known what the spinoff will be about, though rumors have suggested it to either be a film centered on Boba Fett or possibly a younger Han Solo.

Gary Whitta (The Book of Eli) will write the script.

Though I can't say I'm the biggest Star Wars fan, Edwards did a great job with Godzilla (even though I felt the acting was subpar besides Bryan Cranston) and is a great choice to expand upon what Disney hopes will be a new and successful cinematic universe.

Read the official press release issued by Lucasfilm below:

In addition to the episodes of a new "Star Wars" trilogy, Lucasfilm and Disney have begun development on multiple stand-alone movies that will offer new stories beyond the core Saga. Gareth Edwards will direct the first stand-alone film, with a screenplay by Gary Whitta. The film is due out December 16, 2016.

Gareth Edwards blazed into the filmmaking forefront with his acclaimed work on "Monsters," a film he wrote, directed and served on as cinematographer and visual effects artist. The skill and vision readily apparent in "Monsters" earned him the high-profile spot directing this year's smash hit "Godzilla".

"Ever since I saw Star Wars I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life - join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited & honored to go on this mission with Lucasfilm, said Edwards.

Gary Whitta's screenwriting credits include 2010s "The Book of Eli" starring Denzel Washington. He is also well known as a journalist and editor in the video game industry, as well as part of the BAFTA award-winning team on Telltale Games adaptation of "The Walking Dead".

Whitta states, "From the moment I first saw the original movie as a wide-eyed kid, "Star Wars" has been the single most profound inspiration to my imagination and to my career as a writer. It is deeply special to me,so to be given the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing legacy, especially in collaboration with a film-maker as talented as Gareth,is literally a dream come true. I'm still pinching myself."

Source:  Lucasfilm, Heat Vision, Shock Till You Drop