Frank Marshall Says 'Star Wars 7' Director Down To A Couple Candidates, David Cronenberg Talks 'Return Of The Jedi' Offer

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by Kevin Jagernauth
November 13, 2012 6:48 PM
7 Comments

We started our day with "Star Wars: Episode 7" tidbits, and we're closing our day with more, because that's just how it's going to go with the hugely anticipated sequel. While Matthew Vaughn and Colin Trevorro w are thus far the only names surfacing in the rumor pile to direct, helmers like Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Zack Snyder and J.J. Abrams have been quick to distance themselves from the conversation. So you might think Disney and Lucasfilm would having trouble finding someone to direct. Not so.

Producer Frank Marshall told MTV that there are "a couple of candidates, but I don't know how soon that will be revealed" adding, "...I can't reveal it, or I won't be alive tomorrow." So what does it all mean? That perhaps like Michael Arndt's involvement with the script that started before the official sale of Lucasfilm to Disney, that discussions about the project have been happening behind closed doors for longer than fans and the public have been privy to. Sneaky stuff, George Lucas.

So, we'll have to just drift back to speculation, but one person you can count out is David Cronenberg -- because he was already offered a "Star Wars" sequel once and wasn't interested then either. "A long time ago I was approached for one second to do a 'Star Wars' movie, which at that time was called 'Revenge of the Jedi' and then it became 'Return of the Jedi,' " Cronenberg told Digital Spy. "I was approached by Lucasfilm about that and it didn't take them long to realize that maybe that wasn't a good idea."

The helmer also denies ever being offered "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" (he was reported to be on a wishlist), calling the whole thing a "Videodrome"-like experience watching rumor turn to "fact." But in general, he's not really interested in big tentpoles because of the creative limitations that filmmakers have, usually combined with no input on casting. But he does point out one time where the marriage of an auteur and a big budget property kind of worked.

"Alfonso Cuarón did one of the 'Harry Potter' movies and imposed his own visual, long take, flowing style on it and it was reasonably successful that way," he said, though once again lamenting the box that filmmakers are put into on such project. "You can see it's interesting - you have a huge budget to work with and make more money than you would normally make, but you're pretty restricted. Cuarón could only be inventive in terms of the visual style as everything else was established. How satisfying can it be?"

Well, you certainly can't fault Lucas for entertaining the notion of having some really bold choices take on his franchise. As many of you know, he also courted David Lynch for the gig and in his typically awesome way, you can listen to the director talk all about his experience meeting Lucas for the gig right here.

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More: Frank Marshall, David Cronenberg, Star Wars: Episode 7

7 Comments

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fui | November 13, 2012 9:58 PMReply

I hope star wars dies.
rodie | November 13, 2012 8:15 PMReply

Just occurred to me, but David Fincher has been VERY hesitant this year to commit to the Dragon Tattoo sequel. In fact the only thing on his slate is the pilot of a TV series that's shooting right now and will air in 2013. . .hmm. . .
a | November 14, 2012 3:06 AM

He's currently waiting for a greenlight for 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA from Disney.
James | November 14, 2012 12:02 AM

He's not even shooting it anymore, he shot "House of Cards" over the summer. Interesting. Would obviously be the best news since sliced bread if true:)
Huffy | November 13, 2012 10:45 PM

Very interesting indeed. Fincher started out at IL&M after all and I remember him saying that his goal getting into the industry was to direct and Alien or a Star Wars. He's already done one of those...
Piotr | November 13, 2012 7:28 PMReply

It's interesting to think that Cronenberg and Lynch were both offered Jedi. At one point Lucas wanted the third movie to feel like those guys, both guys with very specific tones. Would have been a very different movie. A cool "What If." Was Alejandro Jodorowsky unavailable, George?
cary | November 13, 2012 10:43 PM

I love Lynch's interview regarding his experience meeting Lucas. I guess that some of the fan favourite directors might have zero interest doing it as Lynch did. Wookies give me headache too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJQ4vCu-S0U