Update: Deadline reports that Arndt's treatment covers the entire trilogy of new films.
Well, no matter where you stand on the prospect of "Star Wars: Episode 7," you have to admit this is at least a step in the right direction. The studio has found an Oscar winner to pen the treatment and possibly the screenplay for the upcoming sequel, and nerds and indie-cinema heads alike will approve.
Vulture reports that "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Toy Story 3" writer Michael Arndt has penned a 40-50 page treatment for 'Episode 7' (interestingly, it was written before the Lucasfilm sale was official) and he may be one of the writers tasked with writing the complete screenplay when that time arrives. Arndt is a familiar figure over at Disney, brought into the fold following the success of 'Sunshine,' and he's currently at work on two big projects at the studio: "Phineas and Ferb" and "The Untitled Pixar Movie That Takes You Inside the Mind." And oh yeah, he also did work on "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" and if that's not enough, he's part of the celebrated Pixar Brain Trust, who scrutinize and deconstruct all the movies they have in development. Moreover, he's a big fan of the franchise, lecturing frequently, specifically about the the end of "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope" and why it's so satisfying creatively.
And there's even more interesting news. According to the site, Arndt's treatment "will soon be crossing the desks of top directors, including Brad Bird, Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams." Those names have all been very, very high on fanboy wishlists, but let's just pause here a moment. Firstly, of course Disney is going to be aiming very high to try to get A-list talent for this, and certainly, all of those dudes will be curious at the very least. But will they take it on? Given the huge baggage the franchise carries with it, we really doubt it — expect to hear lots of "It was a great read, really exciting but…." — however, they each undoubtedly know rising talent they can suggest.
Right now, it's unclear is Arndt will be involved with the final screenplay, but he's "likely to be at least one of the writers" on board, for the film that's slated to shoot in 2014. And things just got very interesting with 'Episode 7'….