Lucasfilm has broken the news that Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World, Safety Not Guaranteed) will no longer be directing Star Wars: Episode IX, citing a “mutual decision to part ways.” Trevorrow, whose Jurassic World grossed $1.67 billion globally, was announced to helm Episode IX in August 2015.
Trevorrow’s last effort, The Book of Henry, was a critical and financial disappointment – the film garnered a sour 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed $4.29 million this summer. Despite the negative reception for his movie, Trevorrow defended himself as the director of Episode IX, saying, “Not only did I grow up on these stories, like all of us did, [but] I think that the values of Star Wars are values that I hold very close and very dear in my life” (The Hollywood Reporter, July 2017).
Lucasfilm has held a tight leash over Star Wars: earlier this year, Phil Lord & Chris Miller (The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street) were fired from the Han Solo spin-off to be replaced by Ron Howard shortly after. Back in 2015, Chronicle director Josh Trank parted ways with Lucasfilm after spending a year developing an untitled Star Wars spin-off. Last year’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was put into extensive reshoots under Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton, Bourne series), who took over directing duties from Gareth Edwards (Godzilla). It’s worth noting, of course, that Rogue One received acclaim and grossed $1.05 billion worldwide.
As for Trevorrow, the consensus appears to be that The Book of Henry caused Star Wars fans to lose faith in his ability to handle Episode IX (it is the finale). It is unknown who will helm Star Wars: Episode IX, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Rian Johnson – who directed this December’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi – returned to the fold. He was tasked with writing a story outline for Episode IX, after all.
Despite this separation, Star Wars: Episode IX is still slated for release on May 24th, 2019. Lucasfilm shared the following statement:
“Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX. Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon.”
Trevorrow has yet to comment on the departure, but he has another blockbuster in the pipeline – he is producing next summer’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, for which he also co-penned the script.
Come what may, we’re getting the ninth Star Wars episode in 2019. Stay tuned for any future developments.
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