While it’s not George Lucas himself, Lucasfilm has gone back to someone who’s proved to bring them results: J.J. Abrams will return as director in Star Wars Episode IX.
The talks about who would be directing Star Wars Episode IX have going on ever since Lucasfilm dismissed Colin Trevorrow from the project. In a post-Josh Trank, Phil Lord and Chris Miller-world, Trevorrow’s departure seemed to confirm that keeping directors would be a difficult task for Lucasfilm, and of course, Kathleen Kennedy.
But it looks like the studio will be changing it’s ‘one and done’ tactic for the sequel trilogy. Just announced, The Force Awakens‘ director, J.J. Abrams will direct Star Wars Episode IX. So, for anyone who can’t keep track, it’ll be J.J. Abrams, Rian Johnson, and back to J.J. Abrams.
Many assumed that Kathleen Kennedy would look to either Johnson or Abrams to complete the trilogy. However, yesterday, Johnson confirmed it wouldn’t be him. Less than 24 hours later and Lucasfilm announces Abrams? Well, then. Sorry, Johnson.
Though, the reality is that we don’t know what sort of product Johnson will put out this December. He’s apparently a gifted filmmaker who has gotten the opportunity to play with Star Wars lore a little bit, but we don’t know if anyone will really like his The Last Jedi.
On the other hand, we do know that everyone either liked or at least paid to see J.J Abrams’ The Force Awakens. Once Episode IX comes out, we’ll really be able to see whether Lucasfilm is all about sticking to the formula and be able to really attribute the success of The Force Awakens where it belongs.
Did The Force Awakens make money because of Abrams, who more or less followed a blueprint, or because Star Wars fans were dying for another Star Wars film, especially one that came after Return of the Jedi?
Written (with Chris Terrio) and directed by J.J. Abrams, Star Wars: Episode IX hits theaters in 2019.