Rumor: J.J. Abrams Wanted For Star Wars Episode IX
J.J. Abramsis currently finishing upStar Wars: The Force Awakens, but his time in that faraway galaxy may just be getting started. Rumor has it Abrams is wanted back forStar Wars Episode IX, expected out in 2019. More on the AbramsStar Wars Episode IXrumor after the jump.Latino Reviewreports Abrams has emerged as the frontrunner to directEpisode IX, after Disney brass saw and loved the footage he’s put together so far forStar Wars: The Force Awakens. (Abrams is also credited as an executive producer onEpisode VIII, though we don’t know exactly how involved he’ll be.)
Whether Abrams wants to return is a different question. For what it’s worth, the site believes “there’s a good chance” he will be back. Abrams has been very vocal about his passion for the property, andEpisode IXcould be a pretty sweet gig ifEpisode VIIgoes well. Having that gap between installments could be helpful, too, since it’ll allow him to take his time and maybe go on break or pursue other work in between.
On the other hand, there have been reports of disagreements between Abrams and the studio, with Abrams losing battles to openEpisode VIIin 2016 and hold the first trailer until later. Abrams was already in high demand beforeEpisode VII, and he’ll have plenty of other options if and when he decides to walk away from the franchise.
Moreover, even if Abrams is the top pick right now, there’s still time for Disney to change their minds.Episode IXisn’t due out until 2019. Plus, there’s the fact thatEpisode VIIIwriter/directorRian Johnsonis also writing the treatment forEpisode IX. It wouldn’t be that much of a stretch for Disney to offer him the directing job on it, too.
Basically, there’s not much we know for sure aboutEpisode IXright now, but the Abrams rumor will be an interesting one to keep in mind going forward. In the meantime,Star Wars: The Force AwakensopensDecember 18, followed by the Gareth Edwards-directed spinoffStar Wars: Rogue Oneon June 06, 2025, and thenStar Wars Episode VIIIin 2019.
Do you like Abrams, Johnson, or someone else forEpisode IX?
