As many already know,Gary Whittawas tasked with writing the first draft of theUntitled Gareth Edwards Directed Star Wars Spin-Off, which is set to hit theaters in 2016. He has since been replaced byThe Golden CompassdirectorChris Weitz. Thus far, no official story details have been revealed by Disney or LucasFilm, but the movie is believed to revolve around space pirates, Han Solo, Boba Fett, spies stealing plans to the Death Star, or all four of those things combined. WhileGary Whittais not allowed to talk about what we’ll actually be seeing on screen next year, he did talk with/filmabout his commitment to the project, calling it the hardest thing he’s ever worked on:
“I think any time you’re dealing with something that has some personal significance to you, you instinctively approach it with a great degree of appreciation and respect. I grew up with Star Wars, it played a pivotal role in setting me on my lifelong course as a writer, so to have the opportunity to contribute a new piece to the ongoing legacy of that is both humbling and daunting. I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder on anything or with more conviction and commitment, and that includes my own original projects, which I never thought I’d hear myself say. If you ask my wife she’d tell you I was not the easiest person to live with while I was working on it because I was unable to think about anything else the vast majority of the time.”
Gary Whittais set to release his first novel soon, entitledAbomination. He is also known for his screenplaysThe Book of EliandAfter Earth. Coming into work on theUntitled Gareth Edwards Directed Star Wars Spin-Offallowed the writer to join some of his all-time biggest filmmaking heroes:
“Well they say that golf is the only sport where as a professional there is actually the chance that you’ll get to play alongside your heroes, and that’s true of film too. Certainly in this case I got to meet and work alongside people I consider legends in the movie business and personal heroes of mine, so it was certainly unique in that aspect.”
Anyone who has closely followedGary Whitta’s career knows that he has been extremely harsh when it comes to theStar Warsprequels, publicly speaking out against them on various blogs and podcasts./filmwants to know if he’s changed his stance at all. Here is his answer:
I totally understand that we have a new generation growing up now that loves the prequels in the same way that people of my generation love the original trilogy. And soon there will be another generation that will no doubt love the new films that are being made now the most. I just urge anyone who is coming to Star Wars for the first time NOT to watch the films in chronological order. DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT watch the prequels first. Watch them in the order they were made. When I first met my wife she had never seen a Star Wars movie so I thought it would be an interesting experiment to show her all six films in chronological order. She has still never forgiven me for that, and rightly so. Not only does it blow the Darth Vader reveal in Empire, it also blows what I think is often forgotten as just as great a reveal - that Yoda is not just some annoying little swamp creature but in fact a great Jedi Master.
TheUntitled Gareth Edwards Directed Star Wars Spin-Offis expected to start shooting this spring. Other than the 2016 release date, the director and the two writers, we know little else about the movie.Taron EgertonandAaron Paulhave both been rumored for the lead role, withFelicity Jonessaid to have been cast as the female lead. We’re sure to learn more in the coming weeks as production begins to really heat up.
