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Brad Bird Confirms He's Not Directing 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Either

by Alex Billington
November 18, 2012
Source: Twitter

Over the last few weeks since the Star Wars: Episode VII and Lucasfilm news hit, rumors have been rampant, with real news following closely behind. A little as a week ago, Frank Marshall said that they were close to choosing their director for the new Star Wars film, and another name that has been at the top of everyone's most wanted list is Brad Bird, of The Incredibles, Ratatouille and his live-action debut Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol. There was an election-like video campaign floating around in support of Bird, along with rumors that his new sci-fi project 1952 was actually the Star Wars movie, but we debunked that. Now the filmmaker himself has taken to twitter to confirm, once and for all, that he's "not doing Star Wars."

Bird responded to a couple of fan tweets like: "You are on people's lists as top choice for Star Wars, yet haven't confirmed." His response was the simple: "not doing Star Wars," followed by confirmation about 1952 that "it's not Episode VII," adding that he is doing "a science fiction" film next. Another tweet stated "the science fiction film I AM doing is gonna be cool." I'm looking forward to it. Here are a few of his tweets:

“@rsavenell: You are on people's lists as top choice for Star Wars, yet haven't confirmed. Please end this tease!”Not doing Star Wars.

— Brad Bird (@BradBirdA113) November 18, 2012

That said, Michael Arndt is a fantastic writer and Kathy Kennedy is a brilliant producer. I will be first in line to see the new STAR WARS.

— Brad Bird (@BradBirdA113) November 18, 2012

I added that second tweet, which I already retweeted last night, because it's quite a nod of approval towards screenwriter Michael Arndt, who was confirmed as the current writer of the script for Episode VII. Most recently, we heard that George Clooney was attached to star in Brad Bird's mysterious new sci-fi 1952, based on a script by Damon Lindelof and Jeff Jensen shooting next year, that supposedly "involves a man making contact with aliens and it's said to have a Close Encounters of the Third Kind vibe." As for the new Star Wars movie, with Brad Bird crossed off the list that only leaves a few possibilities, including still Safety Not Guaranteed director Colin Trevorrow. Other than that, we're going to have to continue to hold out in anxious anticipation until they do make the final choice/announcement. Anyone sad about Brad Bird?

Filed under Discuss, Movie News, Star Wars

From around the web:

Guy who comments on things

David Yates!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Terence-Hood/100001777219375 Terence Hood

I'm scared that they're going to give it to Joe Johnston.
- DarthVerous
  
  There's no reason for anyone to my scared of Joe Johnston... he's worked on every single clasic trilogy Star Wars episodes and designed the costume of Boba Fett. Check out his resume on IMDB http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002653/ I believe that Star Wars Episode VII would be very safe in his hands.
SV7

Yeah, a bit disappointed. There are many talented and capable directors out there, but Brad Bird was at the top of my wish list. Matthew Vaughn, JJ Abrams, Del Toro or Joss Whedon would prob be my top picks now. I think these guys have enough clout and confidence to make sure their vision doesn't get completely lost in the Star Wars machine.
marvelfan

bummer. Joe Johnston it is. Lucas & Kennedy said they'd pick a director they previously worked with which leaves Yates out of the equatation.
http://www.roamandthink.com/ PBGray

Sonuvabitch.
Noe

He was my personal choice of the ones left.
buzzfunk

Some of these director names, are just ridiculous...Del Toro?? Are you fucking kidding me? Hell boy was on the borderline of worst ever. Yes, Labyrinth was good but what else has he done really? Hes way overrated in my book. And JJ A? please. ST sure was fun but please no SW with lens flares. Hes not a good choice,imo. And Joss W? Maybe i am just too picky but i dont want to settle for loud, mediocre film making like the avengers. I think it was terrible and stupid. Personally, my choice would have been Matt Reeves. He hes the sensitivity that a good SW film needs but judging how many movie they wanna crank out, quality will not be important anyways. Just another cash machine.....
- Me again
  
  I don't agree with your estimation of Del Toro, JJ or Joss, however I do agree that Matt Reeves would be be a great choice.
si1ver

Can you imagine Brad Bird directed lightsaber battles and force battles?!?
Xerxexx

I love the David Yates support on FS! Give it to Johnston...and let Arndt take his time on the script.
Xerxexx

Why are they so obessed with a continuation series? Do we really need to see the classic characters again? Start anew in a different timeline.
Bike May

The list of directors is dwindling; let's all hope the legendary Michael Bay receives a call, am I right?
Isildur_of_Numenor

Alfonso Cuaron! No? OK, I'll keep on dreaming then...
The Truth

I thought I heard Micheal Arndt will be the director
Guy Pilla

Give it to an unknown. This project needs to get moving or it won't get a 2015 like George and Kathy want. Please, just make the film good!