It seems like Disney is close to hiring a director for Star Wars: Episode VII. A big list has turned into a short list, and according to producer Frank Marshall, there's only "a couple of candidates" left on that list. Marshall is the husband of Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, so he knows what's going on. When MTV asked him if he knew who was on the list he said, "I do, but I can't reveal it, or I won't be alive tomorrow," adding that there are "a couple of candidates, but I don't know how soon that will be revealed."
When he was asked about a fifth Indiana Jones movie Marshall said that there is still a possibility, and that he doesn't think the Disney Lucafilm merger changes anything. "It's still open, but it's really on the back burner and we're not really talking about it. Star Wars is next, so that's what we're focusing on. Indy is back there, but nothing has changed."
Then there's director Joe Johnston (The Rocketeer, Captain America: The First Avenger and Jurassic Park 3), the man who created Boba Fett. He was a visual effects artist on Episodes IV, V and VI. A lot of fans would love to see this guy jump back on board the Star Wars franchise. He's definitely qualified for the job, and it would be cool to see him take it on. The Huffington Post recently asked Johnston if he would direct the film, and this was his response,
A lot would depend on what ‘it’ is. I am very glad to see Lucasfilm cranking up to get productive again, regardless of who ends up doing it.
It sounds like he would be open to directing a Star Wars movie. Hell, he could be on the list... anyone could be on the 2 person list at this point! It was recently announced that Michael Ardnt will be writing the script, and that a story treatment was sent to several directors to gauge interest. I imagine the directors on this short list both want to be involved. It all comes down to Disney and Lucasfilm making a decision, and I imagine that decision will come soon.
Do you think Johnston would make a good director for the franchise? If not, who else would you like to see take it on? Who do you think is actually on the list?
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