Rian Johnson, the 40-year-old filmmaker best known for directing Brick and Looper, will write and direct Star Wars: Episode VIII and Star Wars: Episode IX, Deadline is reporting.
Johnson will effectively take the reins from J.J. Abrams, who is currently directing Star Wars: Episode VII.
LucasFilm’s decision to bring Johnson on board is in keeping with their strategy of putting young, acclaimed directors with indie cred in charge of the franchise. Earlier this year, LucasFilm and Disney revealed that they had hired Gareth Edwards (Monsters, Godzilla) and Josh Trank (Chronicle) to helm two Star Wars spinoffs.
