Rogue One lit the internet on fire when it was initially announced, while Rian Johnson’s Ep. VIII locks down its release date, the official site confirms. I do my best to stay calm with the details below.
Rian has been talking about working on Ep. VIII since fall of last year, but it took until today for him to be finally confirmed to not only be writing but directing The Force Awaken‘s numerical sequel. As for Rian Johnson as a director, I found The Brothers Bloom to be mostly enjoyable, but Looper is already worthy of being considered a classic and ranks among my top ten films of all time. Ep. VIII should be in good hands when it’s delivered on May 26, 2017; That’s 40 years and a day after A New Hope‘s release back in 1977! Here’s a fun fact that should tell you how much our world has changed since then: Ep. VIII will be going up against an untitled LEGO Movie whereas ANH was up against Smokey and the Bandit.
The biggest and most exciting news to drop was the first spin-off’s title, Rogue One. A movie about Rogue Squadron (not confirmed, but obviously likely) with a female lead played by Felicity Jones? Holy Mother of Moons I can’t wait to see what that all entails. Could it be about the continuation of Rogue Squadron post-Return of the Jedi? About the Rogue’s formation? Or will it be the start for more X-Wing escapades much like the novel and comics from Legends (Mike Stackpole, who began the X-Wing novel series, has some fun thoughts on the movie)? Gareth Edwards (Godzilla) is directing and Chris Weitz (About A Boy, Antz) is writing, who was brought onboard after Gary Witta polished a first draft of the script. Rogue One films this summer so expect more casting news in the very near future. It’ll release December 16, 2016 (here’s hoping its teaser will premiere with TFA), followed 6 months later by Ep. VIII.
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website @MynockManor.
SEE ALSO:
Movie Review: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Novel Review: Catalyst: A Rogue One Story
Latest Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Trailer Brings Hope to the Rebellion
Rogue One Merchandising Blitz Begins, Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel Synopsis Reveals Film’s Backstory
Rogue One’s Second Trailer Showcases Cast, Sweeping Visuals, and Teases Vader (UPDATED)
The Curious Case of Governor Arihnda Pryce
It’s a Wrap: Celebration Europe 2016 News Roundup – Han Solo Casting, Ep. VIII Teases, Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel Author Revealed, Battlefront DLC
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Panel and Costume Exhibit (SWCE 2016) (UPDATED)
Rogue One: An EW Cover Story
SWCE 2016 News Roundup: Star Wars Rebels Season 3 Premiere, Rogue One Props, Podcast Stage
Star Wars Show Launches, Reveals Special Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016 Rogue One Panel
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’s First Teaser Trailer Rebels in all the Right Ways
Rogue One Prequel Novel and Comic Announced, New Bloodline Details Revealed at C2E2 2016
D23 Expo: Rogue One Cast Revealed, Ep. IX Director, Star Wars Land News
Han Solo Subject of Second Anthology Film, Directors and Writers Announced
New Star Wars Anthology Series: Rogue One Details Revealed (SWCA 2015)