Lucasfilm is in the early stages of developing an Obi-Wan Kenobi standalone movie, with Oscar-nominated director Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot) in talks to call the shots. As many fans know by now, Lucasfilm is expanding their immensely popular Star Wars film franchise with a series of spinoff films that compliment the main episodes of the Skywalker family saga. Last year, Rogue One proved their was an audience for Star Wars anthologies, and Ron Howard's young Han Solo movie remains on track for a May 2018 release. It's long been presumed a third standalone would be part of the slate, with Obi-Wan Kenobi's return heavily speculated.

Fans were tipped off earlier this year, when an alleged outline of Disney's post-Episode IX plans made waves online. Among the many topics discussed was Obi-Wan, which viewers have been clamoring for ever since the Mouse House acquired Lucasfilm. McGregor is widely seen as one of the best aspects of the often-maligned prequel trilogy, and many wanted to see the actor get another shot at Star Wars glory. McGregor has frequently stated he would happily return if asked, so there's much excitement surrounding this project already.

According to THR, Daldry is in "early talks" to direct Obi-Wan. There currently is not a script in place, and in typical Lucasfilm fashion, plot details are firmly under wraps. No release date is targeted yet. Interestingly enough, it is not known right now if McGregor will reprise Obi-Wan, but at this point it would be a surprise if he didn't come back. The actor's take on the Jedi Knight is well-received, and there has been a groundswell of support for McGregor for years. With the film in the initial stages of development, one would think he'd join the project shortly.

Obi-Wan Kenobi confronts Anakin in Star Wars Revenge of the Sith

Daldry, a veteran of dramas such as The Hours and The Reader is an interesting choice for director, but from a certain point of view, a case can be made for him. Considering Obi-Wan takes place in the years between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, there's a chance it's a smaller, more character-driven work than previous Star Wars films. Additionally, Lucasfilm is still dealing with the aftermath of the Phil Lord and Chris Miller fiasco on Han Solo, so working with a veteran helmsman who has a steady hand behind the camera is certainly appealing. It will be interesting to see how this all comes together - especially considering the production woes the first two Star Wars spinoffs saw.

With Obi-Wan in the works, many fans will be wondering when they can expect to see it in theaters. Lucasfilm has a full plate on their hands right now, with three more Star Wars movies and Indiana Jones 5 all officially scheduled from now through 2020. Unlike Disney brethren Marvel, they seem to be in the business of doing one movie per year, so it's possible viewers won't be reacquainted with Kenobi until 2021 at the earliest.

MORE: When Will The Third Star Wars Anthology Be Released?

Source: THR

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