Star Wars’ fans dreams have come true. Colin Trevorrow, who was the director of Jurassic World, has left his writing and directing duties on Star Wars: Episode IX. There were some rumors that this may happen, as his writing partner on the film left the project and a new writer came aboard, but small hints like that are one thing. Leaving the project altogether? That is a completely different story. Fans were already hoping that the Jurassic World director would leave the project based on the massive flop of his film The Book of Henry which only grossed $4.4 at the box office and was a critical flop. This made myself and many other Star Wars fans worried for the final installment in the Sequel Trilogy.
Lucasfilm issued a statement about Trevorrow’s departure.
“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.”
This is the second film in a row where Lucasfilm has had to change directors (Han Solo, though that was during filming.) The experimentation phase is over and Disney and Lucasfilm know what they want and aren’t taking chances on directors anymore. Interestingly enough, some have thrown Rian Johnson’s name around as a possible replacement. Considering the sheer amount of praise he’s gotten from Mark Hamill and the rest of the cast, including Lucasfilm, this isn’t too far-fetched.
I would do another SW movie in a heartbeat. I've had the time of my life.
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) July 20, 2017
Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi is a masterpiece in the making, and I could not think of a better man to helm the final installment of the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, especially given the high praise Mark Hamill has given him. He is Episode IX’s only hope.