[May 2015 update: this is no longer happening.]
Like the previously revealed director of the other Star Wars spin-off, Gareth Edwards , Trank is a young and exciting director, with only a couple of films behind him (one an effects-heavy indie, the other a huge property). Both directors like to tell complex stories, and both are interested in exploring the inherent darkness of humanity.
But most of all, they're both lovely dudes with a passion for the source material.
"We're thrilled to welcome Josh into the family," says Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. "He is such an incredible talent and has a great imagination and sense of innovation. That makes him perfectly suited to Star Wars , and for this new slate of movies that reach beyond the core characters and storylines of Episodes I through IX ."
Trank states, "The magic of the Star Wars Universe defined my entire childhood. The opportunity to expand on that experience for future generations is the most incredible dream of all time."
