Star Wars Episode 7: Maybe a Director, But No Poster Artist

In spite of a number of reports to the contrary, including one that ran here at ComicBook.com, famed poster artist Drew Struzan has posted a message to his Facebook page that suggests not only has he not been approached to design posters for Star Wars Episodes VII, VIII and IX but that if he were, he probably would not accept the job. Here's his statement:

Misunderstood… A couple of friends at Disney were fantasizing about the new STAR WARS movies. "Disney" has said nothing to me and I expect nothing. That a couple of friends were wishing is only an expression of the hope that many are sharing but says nothing regarding the Studio itself. Even if 'they' did ask, which Disney has not, I'd rather leave the new films to the next generation to interpret. I've had my time and they were exceptional blessings for which I will forever be grateful. Tomorrow is a new day…drew

Struzan, who has designed posters for Star Wars, Harry Potter, Back to the Future and other movies for decades, posted the message around fifteen minutes ago. That's just about the same time that a story broke that J.J. Abrams is close to a deal that would put him in charge of the Millennium Falcon (and, more likely than not, pull him away from the U.S.S. Enterprise). If that's true, he'll have to find himself a new navigator. Star Wars Episode VII is expected in 2015 from Walt Disney Studios, Little Miss Sunshine veteran Michael Arndt is writing the screenplay based on an outline from Star Wars creator George Lucas.