We live in a time where Jason Flemyng sort of pausing and making a funny face in an interview is “confirmation” that the rumored Matthew Vaughn is going to direct “Star Wars: Episode 7.” But that’s not to say that among the fanboy wishlists and speculation that there isn’t legitimacy to some of the names being tossed around.
We first heard about this from our sources not long after the new “Star Wars” trilogy was announced, but we never reported it because it’s been very up in the air and not quite concrete. But buried at the end of rant over at Deadline, they mention that David Fincher “might be game” for directing ‘Episode 7.’ And indeed, from what we’ve heard, Kathleen Kennedy and George Lucas have had their minds on him for a long time now, and certainly the relationship is there. Kennedy produced “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and Fincher worked at Industrial Light & Magic in his early days, most notably on “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.” So it’s not a surprise he’s on their wishlist but whether that actually happens or not seems like a huge question mark. What is apparent: they are interested in him. Whether he is interested in being part of Disney (where he also has “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea” set up and is on a three month hold as they make a decision on it) and “Star Wars” machine remains to be seen.
Also, in the running? Jon Favreau. You might recall that a couple of weeks ago when asked about ‘Episode 7,’ Favreau was excited and curious about the sequel, and called the idea of new trilogy “compelling.” Well according Deadline, he’s “panting after this job” and that’s really not a surprise at all. This is the kind of thing that’s firmly in his wheelhouse, and he’d be an enthusiastic advocate for the series.
But as always, nobody is confirming anything. And do you want to know just how classified this whole process is? Just ask Alan Horn, who shared just how intense the secrecy was even around the purchase of Lucasfilm. “Not many [people knew about it]. It was a very small group. Probably a smaller group than knew about the attack on [Osama] bin Laden!” he told Vulture. And we’d wager these director talks are just as high level and hush hush until Disney makes a decision.