Yesterday it was announced director Gareth Edwards will be behind the camera for the first STAR WARS spinoff, and many of you wondered if this means he won't be back to direct the sequel to his GODZILLA. In a statement responding to Gareth Edwards being hired to direct the STAR WARS standalone film, Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull says Edwards is still attached to helm GODZILLA 2, and he'll direct it after the spinoff.
Gareth's filmmaking talent makes him one of his generation's most creative and visionary directors. The plan has always been for Gareth to direct a different film before we started on another Godzilla, but who knew it would a Star Wars installment? We have a great plan in store for Godzilla fans and I am looking forward to seeing Gareth’s imprint on the Star Wars universe.
But if Gareth Edwards is going to direct GODZILLA 2 after the STAR WARS spinoff, this means the sequel also won't be hitting theaters until after the STAR WARS flick, which is set to be released in 2016. So the earliest GODZILLA 2 might be in theaters will be what, 2017? It sounds like Legendary is willing to wait that long between GODZILLA films, but I also think it's possible they might end up hiring a different director for GODZILLA 2, and keep Gareth Edwards onboard as an executive producer. A lot can also change in the next couple of years, and just because Gareth Edwards is attached to direct GODZILLA 2 right now doesn't mean he still will be in 2016.
Gareth Edwards' STAR WARS spinoff will open on December 16, 2016.