‘Looper’ Writer/Director Will Direct Next Two ‘Star Wars’ Films

In the latest news from a galaxy far, far away, comes the Deathstar blast of information that Mike Fleming from Deadline originally reported. Rian Johnson, the talented writer-director behind the 2012 film Looper, has apparently been tapped to not only write, but also take over directing duties from J.J. Abrams for Star Wars Episodes 8 and 9. "What's that?" you say. That's right. What huge news this is. When you consider that Johnson only has three features under his belt as he approaches one of the most beloved franchises in history, you might be a little concerned. However, the fact that Episode 8 follows Johnson's successful Looper, might have you a little bit excited, and even curious to see how he handles taking over the middle and final acts of the new trilogy. As yet, the new film does not have a release date, but we'll have plenty of time to speculate on what Johnson might have in store.