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Kasdan & Kinberg May Be Writing Spin-Off 'Star Wars' Films Instead?

by Ethan Anderton
November 28, 2012
Source: THR

All right, this one has us scratching our heads. Just over week ago, news came that Empire Strikes Back writer Lawrence Kasdan and Sherlock Holmes writer Simon Kinberg had been hired to write Episode VIII and Episode IX of the new Star Wars trilogy. This came after Michael Arndt was already hired to script a 40-50 page treatment and also script Episode VII himself. However, Lucasfilm and Disney have yet to confirm this news, and now some confusing information has come to light. THR reports Kasdan and Kinberg will be working on Star Wars, but they may not be writing the the second two new trilogy films.

Apparently, Kasdan and Kinberg have been hired to work on films that would be like spin-offs, and that's why the writers would also be producing the films themselves. The trade says these films are "not necessarily Episode VIII and Episode IX" but "could turn into official 'Episodes' in the main Skywalker storyline or they could form the basis for spinoffs focusing on side characters." Honestly, we're not sure what the hell that means, but we're going to try and figure it out.

When the new Star Wars film was announced after Disney acquired Lucasfilm, CEO Bob Iger said their plan was to release a Star Wars movie every two to three years. Everyone just assumed that it would be the new trilogy spaced out over those years as usual. However, this news pegs the treatment of the Star Wars franchise the same way The Avengers was assembled in that these other Star Wars films by Kinberg and Kasdan could serve as lead-ups to Episodes VII and IX featuring characters who will show up or come together in those pillar films. At least that's our interpretation of the news.

What's interesting, is that not too long ago, a story emerged in that had president Kathleen Kennedy saying there were going to be two to three films from Lucasfilm each year following Episode VII. There was some dissension as to whether or not Kennedy meant films in general or Star Wars films. If this story is to be believed, we might be getting more than one Star Wars film each year, which sounds like a whole lot of sci-fi action. Maybe we can get something like The Force Unleashed video games on the big screen? Honestly, I wish Lucasfilm would just announce just a vague hint of their official plans. Thoughts?

Filed under Development, Movie News, SciFi, Star Wars

From around the web:

http://profiles.google.com/snears Nick Sears

I still feel that Kyle Katarn would be a great choice if they did a spin off. He's the embodiment of both Han and Luke. Learns both sides of the force, kicks ass and defy's authority.
Matthew Zurich

Come on Shadows of the Empire.
- Baron the Curse
  
  I loved Shadow of the Empire, but the cast is too old and fat to reprise their younger roles.
Xerxexx

Why? The plot of Force Unleashed isn't that great...there are a billion better SW related stories out there....give those a shot. Video Game adaptations do not work.
- http://twitter.com/equustel Ali Miller
  
  With a better title and a revamped, fleshed-out narrative, Force Unleashed actually wouldn't be a bad choice for a spinoff. Sam Witwer could reprise his role pretty easily. I doubt that's a route the company wants to take, though.
  - JBrotsis
    
    Just the jedi action alone was spectacular! The use of the force and the combat skills with the saber in Force Unleashed was way more skillful than in any of the other movies. If they made a spin off with that attitude, it could really turn some heads.
  - Xerxexx
    
    I don't know...if they did it Witwer better be in it, he is the character.
- Steven
  
  The locations were cool though....loved the Jedi Temple in the junkyard world.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Christopher-Philip-Cinquegrano/100000932639147 Christopher Philip Cinquegrano

I just wanna see the Falcon in action again kickin ass and outmanuevering shit!
avi

every year is to much but every 2 or 3 is oke! If they play right, it will be huges because nothing beats a good lightsaber! It al depends if the scripts are oke!
Jericho

Jaina Solo or GTFO!!!!!!
Jericho

Jaina Solo or GTFO!!!!!!!
Guy

I believe it to be quite clear they intend to make more specific character stories that will each be blockbuster films, then integrate those into an ensamble like film. Using the successful method which has been shown to work with marvel characters, then getting together for a mega blockbuster (Avengers). This way they can multiply the number of films released stemming off from main 3 films = more $.
bozo connors

Thank tha Force!! Kasdan plz!! If that's confirmed... I will get excited.
joe

Han solo, chewy and lando origin film with jgl would be ok with me.
Jedediah

Boba Fett Spin Off....YES. make it so.