Rian Johnson Is A Frontrunner To Direct ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’

Earlier today, Star Wars fans learned Lucasfilm has parted ways with yet another director. Colin Trevorrow exited his role as director on Star Wars: Episode IX, but it looks like the studio has someone in mind to replace him. According to Deadline, Rian Johnson is being considered by to direct the blockbuster.

Deadline just published an article citing its insider sources. The piece suggests that “nothing is done yet” but the prospect of Johnson directing Episode IX “is certainly in the air right now.”

Fans are not too surprised to hear that Johnson is being eyed by Lucasfilm. After all, the director proved he was great fit with the franchise with Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has had nothing but praise for Johnson’s work on his film, and her hype has made fans all the more excited for the its release.

Deadline also has a history of sussing out Lucasfilm’s directorial changes. The site was the very to mention Ron Howard as Lucasfilm’s choice to take up the Han Solo spinoff after Phil Lord and Chris Miller left. If the studio says Johnson will be taking over Trevorrow’s place in the coming weeks, audiences may even be expectant.

It’s also no secret that Johnson is interested in overseeing another Star Wars project. The actor took to Twitter back in July to stress his interest in returning to the franchise after The Last Jedi debuts.

“I would do another SW movie in a heartbeat. I’ve had the time of my life,” the director admitted.

If Johnson proves to be flexible, there is a good chance Lucasfilm will prompt the director to sign on for a second film. The statement which Lucasfilm released about Trevorrow’s exit said their differing visions is what caused the split. Episode IX has undergone several script rewrites already, so Lucasfilm is still looking for the missing to its latest trilogy’s finale, and Johnson may be the one to find it.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi currently has a 4.06 out of 5 ComicBook.com User Anticipation rating, making it the most anticipated upcoming movie not based on a comic book among ComicBook.com users and the sixth most anticipated overall. Let us know how much you’re looking forward to Star Wars: The Last Jedi by giving the film your own personal ComicBook.com User Anticipation Rating below.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens in theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.