Lucasfilm announced that Star Wars: Episode IX director Colin Trevorrow would be stepping down following creative differences. While Star Wars has come back with the full force of its fandom since The Force Awakens in 2015, Lucasfilm has struggled to strike a balance between individual directors' voices and the franchise's brand. First, Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton, The Bourne Legacy) came in for expensive reshoots for Gareth Edwards' Rogue One. Then, earlier this year, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street) left Lucasfilm's untitled Han Solo movie mid-production and were replaced by Ron Howard (Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind).Now, Trevorrow's departure leaves Lucasfilm in an uncomfortable situation. It's likely that Kathleen Kennedy, the President of Lucasfilm, will not want to delay finding a new director for Episode IX. It's likely that Lucasfilm will try to use Trevorrow's exit as an opportunity to generate new buzz for Episode IX, but it's currently unclear if they will opt for a seasoned filmmaker, like Ron Howard, or a relative unknown, to fill Trevorrow's shoes.We've generated a wide list of fan-favorite, seasoned, and up-and-coming directors who could and should have the opportunity to direct a Star Wars film in the future - maybe one of them will be able to make Episode IX a reality.

Honorable Mentions (or who probably won't be directing)

Patty Jenkins Talks About Thor 2

There are some directors who would do a fantastic job with Episode IX, but are unlikely to take on the role. This includes Patty Jenkins, the director of the recent blockbuster hit Wonder Woman - it's clear that Jenkins is an expert filmmaker, but she's already busy with the Wonder Woman sequel, and it's unlikely that Star Wars would fit in her schedule.

In a similar vein, Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk shows that he's at the top of his game. However, the Dark Knight director would likely come with a big price tag and want greater creative control than Lucasfilm would allow. Brad Bird (Tomorrowland, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol) of Pixar fame is busy with Incredibles 2, and Pete's Dragon's David Lowery has a host of upcoming projects including a remake of Peter Pan (2018). Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kong: Skull Island) is tied to the upcoming Metal Gear Solid movie, and has made it clear on Twitter that he will not leave the project for Star Wars.

My heart goes out to my dear friend @colintrevorrow. For anyone asking me to step in on this movie I'm just going to leave this right here: pic.twitter.com/uzEenkN7Dj— Jordan Vogt-Roberts (@VogtRoberts) September 5, 2017

Taika Waihiti, the director of the upcoming Thor: Ragnarok (2017), also commented on Twitter, saying that fans shouldn't hold out for a Star Wars film from him.

I'd be fired within a week.— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) September 6, 2017

A number of talented filmmakers have already worked to bring Star Wars to life, including J. J. Abrams, Gareth Edwards, Tony Gilroy, and Ron Howard. All of these directors have successfully worked with Lucasfilm previously; however, since Gilroy and Howard have already been brought in as "fixers," and Ron Howard's work on the Han Solo movie will likely extend into Episode IX pre-production, it's unlikely that Lucasfilm will recycle them again.

Finally, if Lucasfilm wanted to return to its creative roots, Kathleen Kennedy could try to pull George Lucas out of retirement. Alternatively, if Lucas wasn't interested, Kennedy could also ask close friend and visionary filmmaker Stephen Spielberg to step up.

George Lucas from summer 1977 throws his hat in the ring #StarWarsEpisodeIX pic.twitter.com/WMyL6m2csn— Chris Taylor (@FutureBoy) September 5, 2017

11. James Ponsoldt

James Ponsoldt's films show his range as a director. From the romantic dramedy The Spectacular Now to the biographical drama The End of the Tour, he has a number of engaging and creative films under his belt. Even though he's not yet forty, Ponsoldt is a veteran director, with more feature film credits than either Rian Johnson or Gareth Edwards under his belt. However, his most recent film and foray into science fiction, The Circle was a critical and commercial flop, which might deter Lucasfilm from contacting him. Since Star Wars star John Boyega also starred in The Circle, however, he may be able to pass along a recommendation to Kathleen Kennedy.

10. Jennifer Phang

Jennifer Phang may not have been the first person you would consider for helming Star Wars, but she has made quite a name for herself at Sundance. Her film Half-Life premiered there in 2008, and she returned in 2015 with her feature-length film Advantageous - a science fiction film that won the Special Jury Award for Collaborative Vision. Since then, she's dabbled in television and shown off her wide range of abilities as a filmmaker. Phang would certainly shake things up, and offer a viewpoint that Star Wars has never seen before. Still, while Phang as an artist would deliver an amazing film, she may not be the solution to Lucasfilm's PR problem; as a relative unknown, her name may not carry enough weight to generate buzz or drive fans to come out to see Episode IX.

9. Colm McCarthy

Colm McCarthy has directed quite a bit of television, including Sherlock, Doctor Who, and Peaky Blinders. Recently, he began to transition into feature length films with The Girl With All the Gifts , an innovative take on the "zombie" film. McCarthy has shown his range, his style, his storytelling craft, and his interest in science fiction - he fits a similar profile and style to that of Rogue One's Gareth Edwards. McCarthy is tied to a couple of projects that haven't started filming, as well as an upcoming episode of Black Mirror , but if Lucasfilm wanted him for Star Wars, it seems like his schedule could clear out.

8. Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele Directing Get Out

Get Out has made Jordan Peele the breakout director of the year. The film effortlessly mixed horror, humor, and social commentary to create a film that was spooky, complex, and laugh-out-loud funny. As of August of this year, Get Out was still the most profitable film of 2017. Peele might not seem like the most obvious choice for Episode IX, but he is a world-class storyteller and director whose personal brand could thrive within the galaxy far, far away. Plus, Peele's profile and popularity are aided by his work on the sketch comedy show Key and Peele (2012); if Lucasfilm wants to make a headline, Jordan Peele is a headline.

7. Dave Filoni

Dave Filoni

If Lucasfilm's problems stem from having directors whose creative visions clash with the Star Wars brand, then perhaps the solution is hiring someone on the inside. Dave Filoni, the director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, could be the man for the job. Filoni's enthusiasm and love of Star Wars come through in Clone Wars and Rebels; many Star Wars fans sing his praises, especially after he re-introduced Grand Admiral Thrawn into the Star Wars canon in Rebels season three.

Filoni also clearly gets along with Lucasfilm executives, including Kathleen Kennedy. His cinematic vision clearly shines through in his animated series, and since he's already immersed in Star Wars lore, he would be able to tie together the stories of the extended universe in the finale of the sequel trilogy.

Michelle MacLaren

6. Michelle MacLaren

Before Patty Jenkins directed Wonder Woman, Michelle Maclaren was attached to the project back in 2015. Maclaren is a veteran and Emmy Award-winning television director and producer who has worked on Breaking Bad , Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Westworld, and The X-Files. MacLaren is an experienced and intelligent director, and her experience in television illustrates that she can match a variety of tones and styles. If Lucasfilm is looking for an even-handed director who can deliver a film that rings true to the Star Wars universe, then MacLaren is the perfect choice. Additionally, since she has worked primarily in television, Star Wars would be an opportunity to bring her talents to feature films... that is, if she's still interested in making the shift.

5. Duncan Jones

Warcraft director Duncan Jones may be better known for his indie science fiction film Moon which used practical effects and creative performances to great success. While his blockbuster Warcraft may have underperformed stateside, Moon garnered praise from critics and put Jones on the map as an innovative director. Jones' upcoming Mute, which comes out later this year, is supposed to be closer to the spirit of Moon than of Warcraft. Additionally, Jones appears to be free after Mute's release, which means that he could start filming Episode IX on schedule in early 2018. He has the benefit of having cracked the Chinese box office, where Warcraft was a massive success. Considering Star Wars hasn't caught on in China to the extent Lucasfilm hoped, Jones could be the key they need.

4. Denis Villeneuve

Denis Villeneuve Arrival

Denis Villeneuve is a solid, and perhaps safe, choice for Lucasfilm. Villeneuve has recent years directed Sicario, Arrival, and the upcoming Blade Runner 2049, which comes out later this year. A masterful filmmaker, Villeneuve's resume should make him the ideal director for Star Wars: Episode IX. However, Villeneuve will be just wrapping up the Blade Runner reboot, and it may be difficult for him to turn around to film in early 2018. Because of Villeneuve's high profile, Lucasfilm may have to court him more than some directors who are trying to make a name for themselves - but if planets aligned, Villeneuve could make an Oscar-worthy Star Wars film.

3. Alex Garland

Alex Garland - Annihilation (2017)

Alex Garland is a novelist (The Beach), screenwriter (28 Days Later, Sunshine, Never Let Me Go), and most recently, director. His debut film, Ex Machina starred two Star Wars actors (Oscar Isaac and Domhnall Gleeson) and beat out The Force Awakens for the Academy Award for Best Special Effects. With a budget of only $15 million (compared to TFA's $200 million), Ex Machina is the lowest budget winner of the Oscar for Best Special Effects since Alien (which had a $11 million in 1979). Garland's upcoming film, Annihilation is based on Jeff Vandermeer's mysterious novel of the same name. While Annihilation's release date in early 2018 would present a potential conflict with the proposed filming schedule of Episode IX, Lucasfilm would be lucky to have Garland.

2. Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay's Oscar Award-winning Selma and Netflix documentary 13th are both deeply moving and profound films. Her upcoming adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time is already generating buzz after its first trailer came out this year. Like Annihilation, A Wrinkle in Time comes out in early 2018, which could affect the filming schedule for Episode IX. However, DuVernay's close ties with Disney and her high-profile as a filmmaker make her otherwise perfectly suited for the role.

After Patty Jenkins, DuVernay is the second woman ever (and the first woman of color) to direct a film with a budget that is greater than $100 million; she could easily make history again as the first woman to ever helm as Star Wars film. While Lucasfilm has made great strides to have a diverse cast in its sequel trilogy, thus far it has not been as successful when selecting diverse directors for upcoming films. DuVernay could give Lucasfilm some much-needed positive press - not only because she would be the first woman to direct a Star Wars film, but because she is one of the best and most qualified filmmakers currently working in the industry.

1. Rian Johnson

The Episode VIII director may be the clearest and in many ways best choice for Episode IX. While Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Colin Trevorrow struggled to work with Lucasfilm, Johnson seems to have thrived. If Episode IX was directed by Johnson, there would be clear continuity between the second and third chapters of the sequel trilogy, and Episode IX could build directly from the buzz generated around Episode VIII. Additionally, having Johnson helm the final film would signal to other filmmakers that while Lucasfilm has strict requirements of its directors, it also rewards those who play by the rules.

Before Episode VIII, Johnson previously directed the science fiction film Looper and three critically-acclaimed episodes of Breaking Bad. For his own part, Johnson has said that he would commit to another Star Wars film "in a heartbeat" - he just may not have realized how soon the opportunity could come!

I would do another SW movie in a heartbeat. I've had the time of my life.— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) July 20, 2017

NEXT: Star Wars' Director Problems Are All Lucasfilm's Fault

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