It was announced on Thursday, May 22, that "Godzilla" director Gareth Edwards will officially direct the first "Star Wars" stand-alone film, according to an announcement on StarWars.com. The screenplay will be written by Gary Whitta, who also wrote "The Book of Eli" and co-wrote "After Earth."
The film, which does not have a title yet, is set for release on Dec. 16, 2016. No other details about the film were provided in the announcement.
"Ever since I saw Star Wars I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life -- join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited and honored to go on this mission with Lucasfilm," Edwards said in a statement.
Plans for "Star Wars" stand-alone films were first announced in February by Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, which acquired Lucasfilm in last year.
As for "Star Wars: Episode VII," which is being directed by J.J. Abrams and is due out on Dec. 18, 2015, ABC7's George Pennacchio recently caught up with Carrie Fisher and talked to her about reprising her role as Princess Leia. Watch her interview below.