Brad Bird Flies The Star Wars Coop, He Will Not Direct Episode VII
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Well, it looks like another director rumored to be in the running for the Star Wars: Episode VII directing job has taken himself out of the picture. Animator and director Brad Bird took the news to Twitter by posting on his account that he will not be directing the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII but will be directing another “cool” sci-fi film instead.
The following is an account of Brad Bird’s tweets to disappointed fans that he will not be directing the new Star Wars film. Bird added that newly appointed screenwriter Michael Arndt is a “fantastic writer” and new head of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy is a “brilliant producer.” He also mentioned that he would be first in line to watch the new Star Wars movie. You’ll have to get in line behind me, buddy!
“@rsavenell: You are on people’s lists as top choice for Star Wars, yet haven’t confirmed. Please end this tease!” Not doing Star Wars.
“@ClarkGoble: tell me your next one is the new Star Wars!” Nope. A science fiction film. Not Star Wars.
“@JoesMonster: @wearebuffaloz Is it Star Wars Episode VII? Because I really hope it’s Star Wars Episode VII…” It’s not Episode VII.
“@GeoffBreedwell: You’re not doing EP7? Why not? You’re perfect for it!” Thanks. But the science fiction film I AM doing is gonna be cool.
“@gregaveryowens: Totally just saw @BradBirdA113 slam Star Wars. Brilliant!” I’m not slamming Star Wars. I’m just doing “1952″! Sheesh!
It seems like Brad Bird will be too busy directing the sci-fi film 1952, which has George Clooney in talks to star in the Damon Lindelof-written film. The plot details and premise of the film 1952 is being closely guarded by the filmmakers and writers involved with the sci-fi project, but it is described as a Close Encounters of the Third Kind-esque movie. Bird also has the film project 1906 — about the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906 — to consider.
Brad Bird has been a fan-favorite to take the Star Wars: Episode VII directing job. Fans of the Pixar-alumnus have campaigned for Bird to take the directing job since Disney acquired Lucasfilm and announced Episode VII was due in theaters in 2015. Now that Bird is out of contention, the rumors will just have to continue circling Colin Trevorrow or Matthew Vaughn. Maybe Joe Johnston is still in the mix, too.
