Disney has tapped Chris Weitz, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter of About a Boy, to rewrite the screenplay for the Star Wars spin-off film that Gareth (Godzilla) Edwards is directing. Weitz is replacing Gary Whitta, who wrote the first draft of the screenplay for the film that is supposed to debut on December 16, 2016. With a release date that close for an effects-heavy space opera, Weitz is not likely to have a lot of time to doctor the script back to health.
This isn’t the first time that Disney has replaced a writer in midstream on a Star Wars production. Michael Arndt wrote the first draft of Episode VII: The Force Awakens only to be replaced by Lawrence Kasdan and director J.J. Abrams (see "Kasdan, Abrams Taking Over 'Star Wars VII' Writing").
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Edwards’ Star Wars spin-off is already in the “early stages of casting” with some actresses having already tested for roles in the film.
There are two Star Wars spin-off films (see "Stand-Alone 'Star Wars' Films"). Josh Trank (Chronicle, the new Fantastic Four movie) is directing the other stand-alone Star Wars movie.
Chris Weitz
Posted by ICv2 on January 26, 2015 @ 10:58 pm CT
MORE SHOWBIZ
Showbiz Round-up
March 18, 2024
Awards season is over, time to start over again with a new showbiz round-up!
For Comic Creators, Authors, Artists
March 18, 2024
The auction proceeds will go to benefit comic creators and authors in need, and the artists who created some of the works.
MORE NEWS
New Board Game by Trick or Treat Studios
March 19, 2024
Trick or Treat Studios will release Chucky: Scary Gameplay in the World of Child’s Play , a new board game, into retail.
Via The Op Games
March 19, 2024
The Op Games will release Monopoly: One Piece , a new version of Monopoly , into hobby retail.