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FEATURE: Five More Directors Who Should Join the STAR WARS Saga

The Star Wars saga has recruited many talented filmmakers over the years to leave their stamp on the universe. Specifically in the Disney era, we’ve had J.J. Abrams, Gareth Edwards, Rian Johnson, and Ron Howard contribute to the franchise. For the future, Abrams is returning for Episode IX, Johnson is helming the first installment of his original trilogy, James Mangold is directing Boba Fett, and Stephen Daldry may tackle Obi-Wan Kenobi.

With the franchise sure to continue for the foreseeable future, Disney and Lucasfilm will absolutely approach more filmmakers to join in. Below, we list five directors that we’d love to see tackle Star Wars, whether it’s an anthology film or part of the main saga.

Ryan Coogler
Following back-to-back critical acclaim with Fruitvale Station and Creed, Ryan Coogler joined the blockbuster game with a tiny movie called Black Panther. Considering that movie’s massive success, Coogler will surely be in demand from other studios. While he is currently planning another movie and considering a Black Panther sequel, he would still be a more than worthy addition to the Star Wars saga.
Movie Idea: Ryan Coogler’s Lando: A Star Wars Story starring Donald Glover. Try to honestly say that you wouldn’t want to see that.
Jennifer Yuh Nelson
Jennifer Yuh Nelson is the first female filmmaker to solely direct a major animated movie, taking the helm of Dreamworks’ second and third Kung Fu Panda movies. She is making her live action debut with The Darkest Minds, which hits theaters later this year. Nelson is a very talented director, and as she transitions into the world of live action, she’d be a good fit in the world of Star Wars.
Movie Idea: There has been talk of a Yoda movie for a few years, and Nelson could make it look a lot more interesting.
Matt Reeves
Matt Reeves is best known for directing the last two Planet of the Apes movies, which both earned much critical acclaim. He also directed Cloverfield, which was produced by J.J. Abrams. That connection certainly wouldn’t hurt his chances of joining Star Wars. He is currently fixated on DC’s The Batman, but after that, he’d be a perfect fit for a galaxy far, far away.
Movie Idea: I’d love to see Reeves tackle something in the grittier bounty hunter/crime world of Star Wars. Maybe if that Jabba the Hutt movie happens?
Niki Caro
After directing several smaller films, Niki Caro is taking the helm of Disney’s live action Mulan, making her one of a few female directors to helm a $100 million+ movie. Assuming Mulan is a success, it’d make sense for Disney to pursue Caro for a Star Wars title. We’ve had some big franchises hire female directors in recent years – for example, Patty Jenkins and Ava DuVernay at DC Films – and it’s necessary for Star Wars to hop on too.
Movie Idea: Niki Caro’s Leia: A Star Wars Story starring Millie Bobby Brown as a teenage Leia, which we saw a glimpse of in Star Wars: Rebels. You’re welcome.
Zack Snyder
And finally, we have the biggest longshot on the list. Zack Snyder is known for tackling several polarizing blockbusters, such as Watchmen and a trilogy of DC movies. For that reason alone, Lucasfilm may not want to work with him. But Snyder is a very unique filmaking, having a distinct visual style. He’s also a big fan of the Star Wars franchise. While Snyder may be busy for the foreseeable future – he’s lining up The Fountainhead and The Last Photograph for his next projects – he’d be a perfect fit for Star Wars one day.
Movie Idea: Snyder was rumored to be doing a Seven Samurai-inspired Jedi spinoff years ago. If that doesn’t happen, I’d love to see him do a film starring Darth Maul.
Honorable Mentions: Ava DuVernay, Jon Favreau, Taika Waititi, Jordan Peele, Denis Villeneuve

Which director do you want to see join the Star Wars franchise?

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of WOBAM! Entertainment.

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