Star Wars spin-off receives an official title

Gareth Edwards' Star Wars spin-off now has a confirmed leading lady and an official title. Star Wars: Rogue One is currently set for a December 16, 2016 release and will star Oscar-nominee, Felicity Jones.

Many are speculating, including myself, that the Rogue One title isn't necessarily referring to a single character but to a ship. Originally the rumor was that the film would focus on a young Han Solo, but with Felicity Jones being cast in the lead role I don't think it will have much to do with Solo. The title also could be referencing the "Rogue Squadron" within the Rebel Alliance. Let's not forget Luke was the "Rogue Leader" for a while.

In addition to this news, Disney also announced today that Star Wars: Episode VIII will be released on May 26, 2017 with Rian Johnson directing. It appears the studio wants to get back to the May tradition Star Wars has always carried.

Felicity Jones to lead Star Wars spin-off

We learned last week that Oscar-nominee Felicity Jones was competing for the lead female role in Gareth Edwards' Star Wars spin-off. She was up against Rooney Mara and Tatiana Maslany but in the end Jones has won the role and will appear as Edwards' leading lady.

The plot for this film is unknown, but we do have a December 16, 2016 release date set by Disney. The second spin-off being directed by Josh Trank is not currently related or unrelated to this film, but it's assumed they will either tie into the original films or they will tie into the new trilogy.

I say welcome to the Star Wars universe, Felicity Jones. I'm sure you'll fit in just fine.

Josh Trank to direct Star Wars spin-off

Fantastic Four director Josh Trank has been hired to direct another standalone Star Wars spin-off film. It was announced by Disney that they intended to make at least three separate Star Wars films and they just are keeping the ball rolling. Godzilla director Gareth Edwards was confirmed to be directing one of them last week.

Trank hit the scene with the 2012 film Chronicle and since then has been hired to direct Fox's Fantastic Four reboot. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy stated, "we are thrilled to welcome Josh into the family."

Star Wars spin-off to be directed by Gareth Edwards

The Godzilla train seems to be very prosperous for all involved. Director Gareth Edwards has apparently landed the director's chair for an upcoming Star Wars spin-off. This spin-off is set to hit theaters on December 16, 2016 which is almost exactly one year after Star Wars Episode VII.

In addition to this, a sequel to Godzilla was recently confirmed as well as a rumored third Godzilla film. Apparently Edwards is still attached to those films but there is no telling how quick those will be happening.  Legendary CEO Thomas Tull assured fans that a second Godzilla is still years away.
Due to how secretive the new Star Wars projects are being kept there is no telling which film Edwards is going to direct. However, rumor has it that Disney is planning spin-offs which will feature Boba Fett, Han Solo, and Yoda.