If things stay the way they are now (which they probably won't), "Star Wars: Episode 7" will be directed by Matthew Vaughn with a script by Michael Ardnt (he completed a treatment for the trilogy, but he hasn't yet signed to write the screenplays). And while fans to continue to toss around dream names for who will sign on to direct the sequel, you can count three names out.
The guys over at FirstShowing have rounded up some recent comments by Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino and Zack Snyder, and they all take themselves out of the running, offering their own reasons for why they won't take the gig. "No! No! It’s not my genre. It’s my best friend George’s genre," Spielberg told Access Hollywood, while other comments were perhaps less kind or optimistic.
“I don’t think I’d be interested in [directing it]. I’m a huge ‘Star Wars’ fanatic. I just think doing [episodes] seven, eight and nine is just a slippery slope," Snyder told the LA Times. "It’s a whole other mythological experiment I’m excited to see, but it’s a lot of effort.” To translate: it's an ambitious project, but you'll be left with a lot of egg on your face if you fuck it up. But it's the always-good-for-a-quote Tarantino who is downright derisive about the enterprise.
"I could so care less. No, sorry. Especially if Disney’s going to do it. I’m not interested in the Simon West version of 'Star Wars,' ” Tarantino bluntly told EW. Though why he's throwing Simon West under the bus is a bit of a mystery. But frankly, all of these guys not being interested is not a surprise.
While it was reported that Spielberg, Brad Bird and J.J. Abrams would be looking at Arndt's treatment…well, of course they are. They are as curious as we are. But the thing with A-list directors and this franchise in particular, is that it comes with heavy baggage and expectations, and not only that, features the sort of mythology and possible fan service that may not interest directors who want to have some deeper personal tie to the story, other than the fact they grew up with it. While some say cost is an issue in nabbing a big name talent like Spielberg, if he signed up, Disney would find the money to make that happen.
Anyway, it will be interesting to see what other names emerge in the days and weeks to come. For now, check out one fan's idea for 'Episode 7' below (via /Film)…