Last week’s stunning announcement that Disney was buying Lucasfilm and planning a new “Star Wars” movie has me reconsidering the childhood-defining franchise we all thought was done. So who should direct “Episode VII”? Here’s my short list.
J.J. Abrams
The “Lost” co-creator has already successfully reset the “other” sci-fi franchise when he breathed new life into “Star Trek.” And, sorry Trekkies, but “Star Wars” is way juicier.
Brad Bird
Bird made his live-action debut with the last “Mission: Impossible,” but it’s his experience in animation (“The Incredibles”) that might make him the perfect man for CGI involved.
Michael Bay
Anyone who said, “No one could do worse than George Lucas did with the prequel trilogy,” you just might get this. No, seriously.
Joss Whedon
We nerds want “Star Wars” in the hands of one of our own, and “The Avengers” proved Whedon can handle a big spectacle better than, say, Kevin Smith.
Quentin Tarantino
C’mon, who wouldn’t watch an ultra-violent, profanity-laden “Star Wars”? Samuel L. Jackson can return as Lando “motherf---in’” Calrissian III.
Christopher Nolan
Wouldn’t you rather have a mind-bending “Inception” plot than some nonsense about midichlorians?
Wes Anderson
Just imagine how quirky it would be!
Stephen Spielberg
He may be the only director on the planet who wouldn’t be intimidated stepping into this franchise. Plus, he’s old pals with Lucas.
David Fincher
Actually, Fincher would be perfect for the dark middle chapter of a trilogy, a la “Empire Strikes Back.”
Edgar Wright
I think “Star Wars” could use a little comedic whimsy, and Wright (“Shaun of the Dead,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”) is just the man.
