Just before the weekend, Disney and Lucasfilm confirmed that they will be releasing spinoff films of the Star Wars universe, with Monsters and Godzilla director Gareth Edwards to direct the first spinoff film, aiming for it to be released in 16th December 2016. The subject of what will the film be about or who will star in it is still under wraps, with screenwriter Gary Whitta (Book of Eli, After Earth) writing the script.

Gareth Edwards stated:

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.

Gary Whitta said:

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. 

Speculation is already underway as to what the film will be about, from a Han Solo standalone film to a Boba Fett film, but what others have been wondering what does this news mean for the Godzilla sequel that was jut confirmed to be underway last week after it’s opening week success at the box office? Well Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull says Edwards is still attached to direct Godzilla 2, which Edwards will direct after the Star Wars spinoff. 

Tull said:

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. 

Interesting that Tull plans to have Edwards commit to direct the Godzilla sequel and is willing to wait under three years potentially to release a sequel, but who knows, time will tell if that will still be the case or if they’ll just bring in another director and have Edwards tied in a producing credit.It’s nice to hear though from the CEO that they planned to wait for Edwards to direct another film then return to the project, rather than cashed in as soon as possible on Godzilla.  I’m sure others may be happy to see him leave the project as he has stated about going the same method of ‘less is more’ in the sequel in the monster bouts.