Disturbance in the Force? Lucasfilm Just Fired Another “Star Wars” Director

You can’t stop Lucasfilm from firing directors any more than you can stop the suns from setting.

Colin Trevorrow, the filmmaker who emerged with the sweet indie flick Safety Not Guaranteed, has just learned the same is true for Star Wars directors.

Today, Lucasfilm released a statement announcing Trevorrow has been booted from Star Wars: Episode IX. Well, in their actual language, they have “mutually chosen to part ways”. But whispers from the set have indicated tensions between Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy and Trevorrow began in June, according to THR.

what does colin trevorrow leaving star wars mean for white male directors? can we trust them to helm such big budget projects in the future?

— Bim Adewunmi (@bimadew) September 5, 2017

Reports suggests “script issues” were the sticking point, with Trevorrow’s multiple stabs at the screenplay not enough to appease Kennedy. Sources say their working relationship became “unmanageable” before today’s announcement.

The same was also true of Kennedy’s working relationship with Chris Miller and Phil Lord, who were shockingly sacked from the standalone Han Solo movie in June. In that case, however, the majority of filming had already been completed. Ron Howard was then subbed-in to salvage the shoot.

I had heard, uh, a LOT of rumors about unrest at Lucasfilm re: Trevorrow directing Ep 9. But I didn’t think they’d actually get rid of him

— David Sims (@davidlsims) September 5, 2017

This is now the fourth major directorial scandal to hit the recently revived franchise. Though J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson seemed to get away from Episodes VII and VIII (due out this December) unscathed, Rogue One filmmaker Gareth Edwards had to hand over the reins to Tony Gilroy in the final sprint.

And don’t forget Josh Trank—though most of Hollywood already has—who was punted from a Star Wars spin-off after his Fantastic Four feature sank and stories emerged of his on-set difficulties.

Live feed of Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Josh Trank picking up Colin Trevorrow from work today. pic.twitter.com/JPdToqz7ut

— Julia 💀 Alexander (@loudmouthjulia) September 5, 2017

Anyway, Star Wars Episode IX is due out in 2019, but the likelihood of it reaching that release date now seems a little less likely.

As for Trevorrow, where he heads next is anyone’s guess. His last film, family drama The Book of Henry, was met with some of 2017’s most blistering reviews (at the time of its release, the internet started openly calling for his exit from Star Wars). And he gave up the opportunity to direct a sequel to his Jurassic World… so he could complete Episode IX.

I'm sorry but Colin Trevorrow has been carried off by pteranodons then swallowed by a mosasaurus.

— Bill Corbett (@BillCorbett) September 5, 2017

Remember Colin: Attachment is forbidden.

Me stabbing Colin Trevorrow through the chest with a lightsaber: pic.twitter.com/Aj1cKCBAuD

— Jenny Nicholson (@JennyENicholson) September 5, 2017

Photo: Lucasfilm