17 Directors Who Could (Or Should) Make ‘Star Wars: Episode 9’
Yesterday,Star Wars: Episode 9lost its director.Colin Trevorrow and Lucasfilm parted ways, the latest in a series of behind-the-scenes upheavals surrounding the massively popular franchise. It’s not entirely clear what’s going on, but between this andthe firing of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller from the Han Solo spin-offmovie, it seems that producer Kathleen Kennedy has a very different vision forStar Warsthan her collaborators.
But while we puzzle over what the heck is going on withStar Wars, we did what everyone does on the internet in a moment of pop culture crisis: we made a list. Here are 17 directors who we think could end up makingStar Wars: Episode 9…and a few thatshouldmake it.
Chances of Getting the Job:Likely
JJ Abrams did a fantastic job withStar Wars: The Force Awakens, but even he had some reported tension with producer Kathleen Kennedy. Abrams is proud of the film and had fun with the experience, but I’ve heard he’s sworn off doing another one or getting stuck in another franchise. But Abrams initially swore off doing Episode 7, so you never know!. He’s a proven quantity. Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy, and Disney all know what they would be getting into with Abrams.
That said, the filmmaker is notorious for changing his mind well into filming and into post production. It’s these “better ideas” that pop up that might make Abrams films better or worse than initially planned, depending on who you ask. There is no mistaking his touch. I’d be happy to see Abrams finish off the trilogy that he kickstarted and he’s one of the more likely candidates on the list. (Peter Sciretta)
Chances of Getting the Job: Pipe Dream
Right now Brad Bird is busy preparingThe Incredibles 2for release in June of 2018, so it’s unlikely that he would be available to jump onStar Wars: Episode 9towards the end of this year or even early next year. After all, he was approached to directStar Wars: The Force Awakens, but he didn’t want to abandonTomorrowland, which, funnily enough,led to Colin Trevorrow directingJurassic World.
There’s a chance that Brad Bird could attempt to balance bothStar WarsandThe Incredibles 2, but I don’t think he wants to do a disservice to either movie by being spread too thin. It’s just a shame that he’s not more readily available, because we’re still desperate for aStar Warsmovie from the director ofMission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,The IncrediblesandThe Iron Giant. Bird has a style that is perfect forStar Wars– his adventure a little bit of whimsy and levity – and I hope we get to see him come to a galaxy far, far away eventually. (Ethan Anderton)
Ryan Coogler
Chances of Getting the Job:Possible
Though Ryan Coogler has only three films under his belt, his rapid ascension from buzz-worthy indie director to helmer of a superhero blockbuster parallels many of the directors who have been plucked out of obscurity to direct aStar Warsfilm.
But Coogler has proven himself to be not just skilled at maneuvering around and with nostalgia, but at using that nostalgia as a driver of socially conscious narratives. I’m talking aboutCreedof course, which was Coogler’s first test in mainstream cinema after his acclaimed debut feature,Fruitvale Station. LikeStar Wars: Episode 9,Creedwas a legacy movie, and just the latest in a series of sequels that were more or less well received. It had a lot to prove — that Rocky’s story could be brought in to the modern day without Rocky at the center. And it did that, 10 times over.Creedused nostalgia as a pretext for the Adonis Johnson’s story and created a narrative that echoed the beats of the originalRockywithout feeling like a cheap ploy.Star Warscould use someone who can toe that line.
Coogler is currently under Disney’s employ withBlack Panther, and could easily be transferred over to the Lucasfilm division to take overEpisode IX— providedBlack Pantherlives up to the hype. (Hoai-Tran Bui)
Ava DuVernay
After receiving heaps of awards and nominations forSelma, Ava Duvernay all but disappeared from the limelight, picking and choosing her projects carefully — with the aim of not just furthering her own career, but the careers of other women and women of color. It’s resulted in acclaimed television shows likeQueen Sugarand documentaries like13th, all of which increased her standing in an industry that gives female directors few options after their first big successes.
Though Duvernay turned down the chance to directBlack Panther, the director is not opposed to taking on big budget blockbusters, recently helmingA Wrinkle in Timeunder — you guessed it — Disney. Though she has proven to be more interested in propping up other minority directors, Duvernay could very well take the chance at helming one of the most influential blockbusters in the world with a female lead. Rey has headlined the newStar Warsseries sinceForce Awakens, but has yet to have a female director or screenwriter craft her story. DuVernay would be a great start. (Hoai-Tran Bui)
Ron Howard
Chances of Getting the Job: Likely
While Lucasfilm initially expressed an interest in hiring unique and left-field directors to helm theirStar Warsmovies, the recent headlines suggest that this isn’t working out. The hiring of Ron Howard to take over the troubled Han Solo movie suggests the path moving forward: steady, tried-and-true filmmakers with proven track records and a history of getting along well with producers and studios. And there are few filmmakers as well-liked and as malleable as Howard, an industry veteran known for getting things done on time and on budget.
Is Howard the most inspired or exciting choice to take onStar Wars: Episode 9? Nah. But he’s the kind of guy you call in to get the job done efficiently and effectively with as little drama as possible. And while he has his fair share of duds, he’s a consistent and reliable filmmaker with a habit of pleasing audiences and delivering exactly what the bosses want. If he’s still up for moreStar Wars, he may be exactly what Lucasfilm is looking for. (Jacob Hall)
Patty Jenkins
Chances of Getting the Job: Possible
Jenkins came close to taking her career to the next level when she was hired to directThor: The Dark World, but even considering the unfortunate circumstances surrounding her departure from that project (she was fired and replaced by Alan Taylor), it’s clear in hindsight that things ultimately worked out for the best for her. She went on to direct this year’sWonder Woman, a bona fide smash hit, and while it’s looking likely that she’ll return for the sequel, her deal with Warner Bros.technicallyisn’t signed just yet.
There’s a good chance the delay is simply because her reps are attempting to secure a (rightfully) larger payday for her, but if there’s a chance Jenkins wants to head to a galaxy far, far away, she’s proven she can play nice in a studio-driven system and deliver a blockbuster that’s thrilling and fun – two qualities Disney is almost certainly looking for in their capper to this trilogy. There’s also never been a femaleStar Warsdirector, and Kathy Kennedy haspromisedthat will happen one day, so why not now? (Ben Pearson)
Rian Johnson
Chances of Getting the Job:I’d Bet Money On It
Rian Johnson’sStar Wars: The Last Jediwon’t hit theaters for a few more months, but I’ve heard the movie is locked and that Lucasfilm and Disney are both very happy with it. In fact, while Lucasfilm had problems and conflicts with almost every one of theStar Warsfilmmakers so far, from what we’ve heard, it’s been pretty much smooth sailing for Rian Johnson. While he is part of the new generation of directors, Rian works like the decisive, confident, and prepared filmmakers Kathleen Kennedy is used to working with. And let’s not forget that he’s a double threat – not just a great director, but a fantastic writer.
We’ve already heard thatJohnson is at the top of Disney’s short list for the job, and while nothing is set in stone, it seems like a no-brainer. In fact, with Last Jedi locked and loaded, the only thing that would get in Johnson’s way is some finalizing of FX shots and publicity. And Johnson has even said on twitter that he would"do another Star Wars movie in a heartbeat"as he’s “had the time of [his] life” makingLast Jedi. (Peter Sciretta)
Joe Johnston
Possibility of Getting the Job: Possible
Though director Joe Johnston is better known today for directing movies likeHoney, I Shrunk the Kids, The RocketeerandCaptain America: The First Avenger, his early career saw him working for Lucasfilm in the visual effects department on movies likeRaiders of the Lost Arkand every single installment of the originalStar Warstrilogy. Combine that with his blockbuster directing experience over the years and his status as a veteran who would have no problem taking orders from Kathleen Kennedy.
On an interesting note, Joe Johnston used to have a Twitter account, but it seems to have recently disappeared. Could that just be a coincidence, or has he left social media because he’s preparing to take overStar Wars: Episode 9and doesn’t need the distraction or the incessant meddling of fans tagging him with questions that he can’t possibly answer? It’s probably just a coincidence, but the timing is certainly suspect. (Ethan Anderton)
Justin Lin
Chances of Getting the Job: Possible
With four increasingly insaneFast & Furiousmovies under his belt, it’s obvious that Justin Lin can handle just about any blockbuster challenge that’s thrown his way. And I thought he delivered a solid sci-fi sequel inStar Trek Beyonddespite very little prep time (he stepped into the director’s chair late on that movie). Will he become the second director, following J.J. Abrams, to jump from theStar TrektoStar Wars?
Like many of the candidates on this list, Lin has a proven track record of creating high-quality products in franchise-driven models of filmmaking. It’s become blindingly obvious that Lucasfilm isn’t interested in auteur-driven projects, and Lin is one of those guys who has the skills to lead a gargantuan production like this while injecting it with just enough of his personality for us to notice it, but not enough to make the studio balk. That sounds like I’m damning him with faint praise, but in today’s landscape, it’s a talent that makes him one of the most useful directors working today. (Ben Pearson)
Lawrence Kasdan
The way I’ve heard it, the only reason Kasdan didn’t slide into the director’s chair on the young Han Solo movie was because of Directors Guild of America rules that prevent producers from replacing their own directors on a project. But he seems like an extremely likely choice to direct aStar Warsmovie one of these days, because he’s been at the core of Lucasfilm ever since his legendary one-two punch of his first two produced screenplays:The Empire Strikes BackandRaiders of the Lost Ark.
Aside from some of the below the line talent and George Lucas himself, Kasdan is probably the person who has shaped theStar Warsuniverse the most. He wroteEmpire, Return of the Jedi, Shadows of the Empire, The Force Awakens, and the Han Solo spin-off. His directorial efforts aren’t always as memorable, but these films don’t necessarily need to have a memorable director at the helm. I’m guessing Lucasfilm would prefer if we never knew who directed any of these movies at all – aStar Warsmovie is a Disney/Lucasfilm product, and that may be all that matters to them in the long run. Kasdan’s long history and “company man” status means that he’s one of the few people who knowsexactlywhat Kennedy wants, and those two are far more likely to be on the same page than any of the other choices listed here. (Ben Pearson)
Michelle MacLaren
On one level, Michelle MacLaren is a perfect fit for theStar Wars: Episode 9gig. After all, she’s an experienced director who has had a hand in some of the most popular geek properties around. There’s only one issue: she’s never directed a feature film. While she was briefly attached to directWonder Womanfor Warner Bros., her career so far has consisted entirely of television shows.
But what television shows! MacLaren has helmed hours ofBreaking Bad, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Westworld, The Leftovers, Better Call Saul, The X-Files, The Deuce, and, uh,Modern Family? Let’s call her what she is: endlessly talented and uniquely versatile. If Lucasfilm wanted to take a chance on a director with no feature credits but a pedigree that makes herperfectto tackle aStar Warsfilm, they should look to MacLaren. But in the wake of everything that’s happened to recentStar Warsprojects, they’ll probably go after a more “proven” talent. Their loss. (Jacob Hall)
Matt Reeves
Chances of Getting the Job: Pipe Dream…but maybe Possible?
Matt Reeves is coming off finishing his surprisingly greatPlanet of the Apesprequel trilogy with the highly emotional and magnificentWar for the Planet of the Apes. Not only is this one of the best film franchises in recent memory, but it’s evidence that Matt Reeves knows how to deliver a powerful blockbuster that has excitement and substance. The only problem is that he’s currently attached to directThe Batmanfor Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Entertainment, continuing Ben Affleck’s run as Batman in the DC Extended Universe, and it’s unlikely that he’d be available.
Then again, with all the rumors swirling about the possibility of Ben Affleck leaving the role of Batman afterJustice League, there’s always a chance thatThe Batmanisn’t moving forward anytime soon, giving Reeves the window he needs to be available forStar Wars: Episode 9. It’s not a safe bet, but if there’s one director who can make the final chapter of this new Star Wars trilogy work, it’s Matt Reeves. (Ethan Anderton)
Denis Villeneuve
The French-Canadian director had made his name with meditative, gritty films that explore the brutality and potential of humanity — heady stuff that could have trouble being synthesized into a blockbuster. His character work inPrisonersandSicariomay seem too nihilistic for a family-friendly franchise likeStar Wars, but the similarly inclined Rian Johnson went on from directing the broodingLoopertoStar Wars: The Last Jedi.
Denis Villeneuve has taken steps toward approaching the sci-fi genre with his particular cerebral angle, directing last year’s catharticArrival. (Arrivalshould have been a game-changer for sci-fi films with its narrative deployment of the Kuleshov Effect and its musings on humanity, but that’s another argument altogether.) And Villeneuve will be going the nostalgia route with a different lega-sequel,Blade Runner 2049starring formerStar Warsstar, Harrison Ford. Could Ford get him theStar Wars Episode 9job with Kathleen Kennedy? It could happen — especially withBlade Runnerstarting to pick up positive buzz. (Hoai-Tran Bui)
Steven Spielberg
This will never happen. Ever. Never, ever, ever. But in a weird way, Steven Spielberg represents the pinnacle of what Lucasfilm probably wants in aStar Warsdirector at this time. A tried and true veteran with crowd-pleasing instincts who has decades of experiencing making blockbusters for massive studios. Spielberg is a brilliant filmmaker, but he’s also a top-notch leader and bureaucrat. If anyone can navigate the red tape of making aStar Warsmovie and deliver something extraordinary, it’s him.
But Spielberg is in the “I do what I want, when I want” phase of his long and storied career and his schedule is absolutely jam-packed for the foreseeable future. Still, it’s worth noting that he’s lifelong friends with George Lucas and even briefly flirted with directingStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menaceback in the day. Plus, he’s only the greatest mainstream filmmaker in the history of Hollywood. And what’s the point of internet lists if we can’t dream a little? (Jacob Hall)
The Wachowskis
Why not? Why not hire the directors behind brilliant science fiction movies likeThe Matrix? Why not hire the directors behind unsung masterpieces and ambitious projects likeSpeed RacerandCloud Atlas? Why not hire the directorsJupiter Ascending, a messy misfire that has more imagination in a single frame than most space operas can muster in their entire running time? And why not shatter the ceiling above the glass ceiling and let two trans filmmakers take on a universe filled with infinite opportunities? Why not? (Jacob Hall)
Taika Waititi
Since Kathleen Kennedy hasn’t had much luck with recently experienced filmmakers on the rise (Gareth Edwards, Phil Lord & Chris Miller, Colin Trevorrow), she may not be keen on bringing Taika Waititi into the fray. But with the filmmaker doing outstanding work onThor: Ragnarok(from what we’ve heard and seen), it would stand to reason that he’s in a decent position to at least be considered, especially with Marvel Studios being under the Disney banner along with Lucasfilm. Though the filmmaker doesn’t necessarily think that’s the case:
I’d be fired within a week.
— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi)July 23, 2025
Taika Waititi has unique comedic sensibilities that he’s bringing toThor: Ragnarok, and since that’s where Kathleen Kennedy clashed with Phil Lord & Chris Miller, that might make his involvement less likely. But with some more experience under his belt, I think Taika Waititi may prove to be a fine director forStar Warsat some point. (Ethan Anderton)
Edgar Wright
Edgar Wright has not yet done a huge film with a blockbuster-sized budget, and that might be the only thing keeping him from consideration, as we’ve heard that Kathleen Kennedy and Lucasfilm are done hiring filmmakers without big film experience. That said, Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall were both seen at screenings of Edgar’s recent filmBaby Driver, praising the movie during a post screening Q&A.
Wright has proven himself to be a very prepared director who sometimes over-storyboards and over-plans his films – something necessary for this kind of mega blockbuster film. He, like Rian Johnson, is a double threat – his scripts are as good as his direction. The filmmaker has hinted that he hassomething crazy in the worksthat will be announced at the end of the year,but it’s notStar Wars-related. He has also said thathe would not have taken the Han Solo director jobas he’s been in a similar situation when Marvel replaced him onAnt-Man. Is this a similar situation? Would Disney be willing to give Wright the creative control he would require? (Peter Sciretta)
