Colin Trevorrow exits ‘Star Wars Episode IX’: Rian Johnson could direct

“Star Wars: Episode Ix” is now on a look out for another director after Colin Trevorrow left due to creative differences with Lucasfilm. According to reports, there is a possibility that Rian Johnson will take his place.

Reason for Trevorrow’s departure

Trevorrow had been attached to helm the film since Summer of 2015. However, Lucasfilm recently confirmed his departure from the franchise. The studios addressed Trevorrow’s exit in a statement posted on the film’s official website. In it, Lucasfilm revealed that Trevorrow’s exit was a mutual agreement.

“Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX,” read the statement posted on the film’s official website. Lucasfilm praised Trevorrow for being a “wonderful collaborator throughout the development process.” However, they had to part ways in the end because their “visions for the project differ.” The studios assured that they would provide more information about the film soon.

Trevorrow’s exit came after sources claimed that his working relationship with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has become “unmanageable.” Likewise, insiders also told The Hollywood Reporter that problems plagued the film during its development process. The director had issues with the film’s script, which led to Jack Thorne getting on board the project in August to rewrite the screenplay.

However, it is not really a dire situation for “Star Wars: Episode IX” compared to the “Han Solo” movie. It is likely that the studios can find a replacement director soon just as it did with the spinoff film. Lucasfilm was able to remedy Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s departure from the movie swiftly. They hired Ron Howard to direct the movie with only four months left in principal photography.

Chances are Lucasfilm already has a few names ready as a possible replacement for Trevorrow.

Rian Johnson as director

The studio still has five months left until principal photography begins to look for a replacement director. A couple of names have already been rumored as possible replacements for Trevorrow. J.J. Abrams, who helmed the blockbuster hit “The Force Awakens,” is said to be the top contender.

There is also the possibility for Rian Johnson, who directed “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” to return to the franchise. He previously expressed his interest to helm another “Star Wars” film if given the chance. It would also make sense for Rian Johnson to direct “Episode IX” given that he helmed its predecessor “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” or “Star Wars: Episode VIII.”