"Star Wars: Episode VIII" To Be Directed By "Looper" Filmmaker Rian Johnson

via BuzzFeed

Johnson will also write Episode VIII , and is currently writing the treatment for Episode IX , but has not signed on to direct.

Rian Johnson (Looper, Brick), will write and direct Star Wars: Episode VIII, BuzzFeed has confirmed.

Carlos Alvarez / Getty Images

While Deadline first reported the news, BuzzFeed has confirmed that Johnson has not signed up to direct Episode IX. He is, however, writing the treatment for the final film in the new Star Wars trilogy.

Johnson will take the franchise reins from J.J. Abrams, who is currently shooting Star Wars: Episode VII, which Abrams co-wrote with Lawrence Kasdan (The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi). That production was recently delayed after star Harrison Ford broke his leg on the set, but a source close to the movie says that the production has been shifted to remain on schedule while Ford recuperates.

Johnson's longtime producing partner Ram Bergman will also produce Episode VIII.

Developing…more soon…