Among all the big names rumored to be directing the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII, there remains one curious figure apparently still in the mix. Colin Trevorrow is still being talked about alongside the likes of Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class) and Jon Favreau (Iron Man), and there is now further speculation that he may already have the job locked down.
Despite his only feature being this past year’s (albeit highly acclaimed) Safety Not Guaranteed, Collider is considering the possibility tonight that Trevorrow is at the very least confirmed to be in contention for the director’s role, and some unclear language also could suggest that the job is already his. We shouldn’t get too far ahead of ourselves, as with the anticipation for this project at the level that it is, stories change every day with new information.
Still, it’s worth taking a listen/look at Trevorrow’s own words on the Star Wars: Episode VII subject, vague as they may be. First, there are comments he made to the MacGuffin Podcast back in the summer, video of which has recently surfaced.
The quote that has people talking is as follows:
As far as professional life, I can’t speak with any specificity as to what the next thing will be. There are amazing opportunities that have arisen as a result of this. One of them, I will say, will probably create a great deal of ire against me on the Internet when people find out what it is. So, I just want to say in advance that I promise you, for all of those who love the mythology that I will be tackling, trust that I love it as much as you do. And I will respect it, and hopefully make it not suck.
The language he uses is probably just sloppy, speaking one moment as though he is simply describing an opportunity and the next as if it’s something he’s already confirmed to be “tackling.” And so just to muddy the waters even more, here are some more Trevorrow comments coming from an interview with Moviezine at the Stockholm Film Festival:
I would not comment much on it, but I’m as much a Star Wars fan like everyone else who grew up with it as one of the most important in their lives. I am deeply aware of how incredibly important it is for billions of people. It really is a mythology, and possibly also a religion for many. I cannot comment on what my involvement would be, but I can definitely say that I would love to direct a Star Wars movie at some point in my life. It would be incredible. I will not be deterred by it. While I understand that every thinking director who cares about the series as much as I do, would be afraid to ruin something. But I also believe that there is a risk that many directors would gladly take, precisely because they care so much about it.
This is a specific example of something that has to feel connected with the earlier films. There will be a sequel to “Return of the Jedi”, in a special world that requires a special style. Whoever makes the film must not deviate too far, at least not with these films … But you know, they will make the Star Wars films as long as we live. Disney has seen what Marvel managed to do, to prove that their universe is infinite. So, the next three films have a responsibility, they are iconic and finishing a story that influenced pop culture for decades. But after that, we will get to see some really awesome movies in the Star Wars universe. We will see daring, exciting directors take on crazy Star Wars movies underwater, and everything. And I look forward to seeing them all!
This quote is even less clear since it’s Google-translated from Swedish. But it definitely gives the impression that Trevorrow is being seriously considered. At the very least, he’s not being written off entirely, which is worth noting since he would be up against names far more known and established. His hiring would constitute a risk by Disney, but at the same time, hiring someone like Jon Favreau is far from a sure shot for success (see: Cowboys and Aliens).
Personally I would love for the franchise to take a risk like this, since Lucas himself stated his intention to have young filmmaking talent direct the saga from here on out. I echo the hope that the eventual director “doesn’t suck.” And is it just me or does Trevorrow have a bit of the 1970s Lucas/Spielberg look to him?
Who is going to direct Star Wars: Episode VII? Who should get the job? How much longer until they announce the thing already? Will the speculative frenzy ever stop?
Share your comments below. I think I’m going to go watch Safety Not Guaranteed right now.