Episode VII is still in its early stages of development – I figured we'd at least have a few months – or even a whole year – before we'd hear any rumors regarding who's gonna helm the next one (and why would there be a ‘next one' if J.J. Abrams does his job well?), all the while we're pondering the plot, spin-offs or if the original cast would return. Well, I was wrong.
According to Market Saw, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban director, Alfonso Cuaron, is at the top of the short list of possible Episode VIII – and even Episode IX – directors.
If we stop for a moment and pretend that this report has any real credibility, then this news would have me stunned: Azkaban was my not-so-favorite Harry Potter film (as far as I can remember), but I really loved the 1998's Great Expectations (and for some reason I omitted to watch Children of Men – a mistake soon to be corrected). I guess I'm not supposed to predict on anyone else's account, but forgive me if I say that he might be welcomed by fans.
In any case, before we start seriously pondering a Cuaron-directed SW entry, it should be noted that Market Saw ALSO reported that Simon Pegg would be joining the cast of the new trilogy – to which the actor responded, via Twitter:
Now, before we believe in or dismiss any of this, it is worth noting that rumors about Abrams directing Episode VII were also fervently denied – if not more – and then all of a sudden the news of him directing after all broke out. Regardless, the only truth in all of this is that we are to wait (impatiently) and see the official announcement – until then, what can I say except – endure and may the Force be with you!No idea where this silly rumour about me attached to the new Star Wars film came from but I can confirm that it's absolute Bantha poodoo.
— Simon Pegg (@simonpegg) February 26, 2013
