‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ director leaves project

MANILA, Philippines – Filmmaker Colin Trevorrow has dropped out of Star Wars: Episode IX, leaving the final film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy without a director.

“Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX,” Lucasfilm said in a statement.

“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,” the company said.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child playwrite Jack Thorne was tapped to rewrite the script for Episode IX, which was co-written by him, Trevvorrow, and Jurassic World’s Derek Connolly.

Despite the recent turn of events, Lucasfilm has not announced an adjustment in the film’s 2019 release date.

Meanwhile, Episode VIII, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which was written and directed by Looper’s Rian Johnson, is set to hit US cinemas on December 15, 2017. 

Episode VIII will be the last film to feature the character of Leia Organa, played by the late Carrie Fisher who died suddenly late last year. – Rappler.com