One of the ‘Star Wars’ films has lost its directors as Josh Trank has exited the second spinoff in the upcoming series of movies.
While Trank had been set to direct the new untitled film, he recently posted a message on the official ‘Star Wars’ website, explaining that it was his personal decision to say goodbye to this sci-fi universe. He also expressed his thanks to the Lucasfilm team for allowing him the opportunity to contribute to the ‘Star Wars’ universe for the past year.
“I’ve put a tremendous amount of thought into this, and I know deep down in my heart that I want to pursue some original creative opportunities,” Trank explained.
Moreover, the 31-year-old writer and director also shared nothing but positive words for the ‘Star Wars’ universe’s upcoming ventures.
“That said, the Star Wars universe has always been one of my biggest influences, and I couldn’t be more excited to witness its future alongside my millions of fellow Star Wars fans,” he added.
Finally, he ended his farewell message with the classic “May the Force be with you all” tagline.
Trank began attaining considerable popularity when he worked on the superhero movie ‘Chronicle’ in 2012; he is also currently helming the ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot for Fox’, which has been set for a release date on August.
The Los Angeles-based director raised some questions when he was a no-show at the ‘Star Wars’ Celebration hosted by Disney in April. During this time, Disney and Trank both issued statements that the director was not feeling well, with Trank himself posting a tweet, saying that he had the “worst flu of my life.”
However, sources claimed Trank was requested by Disney executives to not show up at the event.
Moreover, Fox is said to be unsatisfied with how Trank has been working on ‘Fantastic Four’. Simon Kinberg, who is producing such movie and the second ‘Star Wars’ spinoff film, is reportedly not getting along well with Trank.
Lucasfilm’s Vice President of Development Kiri Hart released an official statement on working with Trank, saying: “It was a privilege to collaborate with Josh. We are grateful for the energy and love of ‘Star Wars’ that he brought to the process, and we wish him all the best.”
Meanwhile, the upcoming ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ has been set for a final release on December 18 while the first spinoff movie, ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’, helmed by Gareth Edwards, will hit theaters in December 2016.
