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Guillermo Del Toro Confirms He Was Approached To Direct STAR WARS EPISODE VII

Would you have believed so many directors would pass this up? Del Toro admits that he was indeed offered the job, but had to turn it down due to having so much on his plate already. However, he does give the name of the man he would love to see take the reigns instead..

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By Mark "RorMachine" Cassidy - 1/7/2013
It seems Disney really are casting the net over all of Hollywood in their search for a director for their new Star Wars flick. A while ago Guillermo del Toro's name popped up as part of a rumored shortlist, but I don't think anyone really thought the fan-favorite director was involved. Well, as it turns out he WAS offered the gig, but as flattered as he was, was forced to turn it down..



"We got one phone call to my agent saying, 'Is Guillermo interested?' And basically I have so much stuff already of my own, and I'm pursuing stuff that I'm generating already..It was very flattering. It was just a phone call, it didn't go past that, it was very nice to be asked, but believe it or not, I'm busy enough."


Del Toro is only the latest in a string of directors to reveal that they were asked, and had to pass on helming the movie. We had been led to believe that Disney had narrowed their search down to 2 (though they remain unnamed) but this has never been officially confirmed. Whatever happens, there is one man Del Toro believes is the right director for the job. "I think the fans deserve somebody that is just going to immerse themselves completely," he said. "As a geek, I would have loved to see Brad Bird take it." As would a great many people, but unfortunately we also know that's not going to happen as Bird is busy with his own sci-fi project, 1952. At this stage it seems entirely possible that Disney will have to go down the unknown route for a director! Who'd have thunk it.







Source: The Playlist
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ClaireLannister2016 - 1/7/2013, 6:43 AM
Well lets add him to the list of people who dont want to do this movie. Sometimes it seems like only Vaughn and Favreau want to do this film.
Alphaman06 - 1/7/2013, 6:45 AM
This honestly makes me worried.... I understand that he is busy but a lot of good directors are turning down this movie. No one wants to do it. I honestly dont blame them not wanting to be the guy that [frick]ed up star wars
AlexRival - 1/7/2013, 7:01 AM
I'm pretty sure that Lucas takes that award Alphaman.
Vadakin - 1/7/2013, 7:19 AM
Alfonso Cuaron - make it happen Disney.
StarkRaving - 1/7/2013, 7:27 AM
I think that many of the directors that have been approached would *like* to helm a Star Wars film. The problem is that they already have other commitments.
plasticman - 1/7/2013, 7:28 AM
I think he is at the top of every possible movie because they know he can make it happen. He says that a lot, ManOfSuperguy, but it's because of his reputation and how deep he gets into his projects.

I see both sides on directors passing this up, first they don't want to do what happened to the prequel trilogy. Second, this was unexpected up until a couple of months ago and so these great directors needs a year or two of notice and can't jump right in like Disney wants.

I also see some directors thinking they don't want this first movie but think they might have a shot at the other two in the trilogy if it doesn't go quite as planned.
DukeAcureds - 1/7/2013, 7:29 AM
monkeyballs3@ You still haven't made peace with the Ewoks? Dude, it was 30 years ago, now.
fettastic - 1/7/2013, 7:30 AM
There are so many amazing directors out there, I'm not worried at all.
RorMachine - 1/7/2013, 7:32 AM
He always says he has lots on his plate, but look at the plate: Producing mediocre horror flicks and making a [frick]ing Pinocchio movie - all worthy of passing on Star Wars for!!
fettastic - 1/7/2013, 7:33 AM
@Starkraving, yes exactly. High profile directors are booked years in advance and legally cannot abandon projects unless a deal is made with the studio involved. That takes wrangling most would like to avoid.
Hellsing - 1/7/2013, 7:34 AM
@ManOfSuperGuy Its because "this guy" does get offered a ton of shit, he's on the top of every producers list because they know he can deliver. And honestly Del Toro doesn't need to lie about if he's been offered all those movies or not the guys a huge director.

And honestly its not that so many directors are turning down all the offer, for the First film, which if it is successful (I don't mean financially all of star wars film are successful financially) in erasing the memories of the prequels especially the first 2. Then all the directors will be lining up to get a chance to direct them. Whoever gets the gig has one hell of a [frick]ing job to do.
GUNSMITH - 1/7/2013, 7:36 AM
BRAD BIRD IS MY CHOICE
GLprime2814 - 1/7/2013, 7:42 AM
As a fan of course I want them to pick a good director but it could also go either way, it could still be worst than the prequels, but I don't blame all these directors for declining to direct Star Wars its got to be scary to think about,its like asking a historian to re do the constitution or a painter being asked to re do the Sistine chapel.
if you make a good movie you will be praised but then if it stinks you will be crucified, Star Wars is one of those franchises that has to be good.
guywithspoilers - 1/7/2013, 7:45 AM
Does anyone know what comic that image above is from, the one with Vader amidst the AT-ATs?

It looks really dope.
PapaMidnight - 1/7/2013, 7:49 AM
Ror, i get you, but you know - after the new trilogy, new Star Wars flicks are like grenades with pulled pin!
Danbojohnj - 1/7/2013, 7:52 AM
Are they all passing because they don't have the balls to tackle SW or because of all the baggage that goes with it or does the script just plain suck?
Either way I wish they would just announce somebody,I'm going nuts here.
DukeAcureds - 1/7/2013, 7:52 AM
monkeyballs3@ I totally agree, the Vader/ Luke/ Emperor scenes made that movie. But I also loved the whole Jabba segment, "death" of Boba notwithstanding.
PeterParker1991 - 1/7/2013, 7:55 AM
What a surprise this is. Not
l0rdleg0las - 1/7/2013, 7:59 AM
This is a tough project to take on, so I'm not surprised so many Don't want to do it. Whoever does it needs to make something original in a vast cinematic universe but also make something that is undeniably star wars that has to out-do the last trilogy. It is quite possibly the most recognized film franchise in the world. Screwing up can very well end a career
Pahenya - 1/7/2013, 8:02 AM
peter jackson
Fogs - 1/7/2013, 8:11 AM
PJ or Favreau.
TheHawkWithin - 1/7/2013, 8:31 AM
Uh huh, sure he was. Kinda like how he was offered X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Avengers, and Doctor Strange.
INSTANTJUSTICE - 1/7/2013, 8:33 AM

I was also approached to direct Star Wars Ep. VII, I turned it down on account of Star Wars becoming arse-sauce over the past 15 years.
ndwwrestler2 - 1/7/2013, 8:43 AM
I think no one wants to do it because of how things went down with the prequel trilogy, and the backlash Lucas got from it.

No one wants to be "the most hated man in Star Wars" And all that weight and expectation they will be carrying may be a little too much.

They need to ask Rian Johnson at the very least.
iordanisp - 1/7/2013, 8:50 AM
Ther is NO way we are going to have a new film in 2015.
jimpinto24 - 1/7/2013, 9:05 AM
I hope Matthew Vaughn becomes the director of Star Wars Episode 7. Any film Matthew Vaughn directs is a hit. 2004's Layer Cake, 2010's Kick Ass & 2011's X-M First Class.
beane2099 - 1/7/2013, 9:09 AM
I believe it. Directing Episode VII would be a dream/nightmare come true. In the world of science fiction films, that's like being asked to write a new book of the Bible. Not to mention that a lot of the names that we (and Disney execs) would like to see attached are all busy at the moment. I would say go for an unknown for this, but with so much at stake, can they take that chance?

I also have no doubt that when Avengers 2 is done they will be courting Whedon hard core to do one of those movies.
Shamo - 1/7/2013, 9:09 AM
Chris Nolan for director.
StrangerX - 1/7/2013, 9:10 AM
Give me The Rule of Two
I want to see Ray Stevenson as Bane
ray stevenson Pictures, Images and Photos
pud333 - 1/7/2013, 9:38 AM
I can see why a so many directors are passing on SW. It's already such an established franchise. Chances are, many directors want to create something that's entirely their own. the only people interested in directing this seems to be super fanboys of the original trilogy.
hope420 - 1/7/2013, 9:43 AM
I would have loved to see a Del Toro Star Wars!!! It would be visually amazing with real acting not actors phoning it in like episodes 1-3!
aztecRaingod - 1/7/2013, 9:50 AM
I am pretty sure at one point I was also approched to direct the new Star Wars.
gmckoy - 1/7/2013, 10:49 AM
del toro was a great choice

but hes busy, i could have told disney that

whoever does it will most likely do a good job, its the writers that you guys should worry about, because kasden is not attached till episode 8, we have arndt who in my mind is still not capable, so i hope he does a good job, toy story and little miss sunshine isn't convincing for me at all
AmericanPsychoWolf - 1/7/2013, 10:53 AM
I really do think everyone's afraid to do the Star Wars movie because the fans will tear them apart if it goes wrong.
DukeAcureds - 1/7/2013, 11:08 AM
A lot of people saying that all these directors don't want to do it because of the prequels. What a crock of absolute wookiepoo.
The prequels do not ruin the middle trilogy. The original films are what it's all about. And this next trilogy will be a follow onfrom that. I'm a million times more excited about the concept of Episode VII than I ever was about Episode I. And I'm pretty sure it's the same for all these directors. This is the official continuation of the Star Wars trilogy. It has nothing to with the prequels or how bad they were. That has nothing to do with it.
Durf - 1/7/2013, 12:07 PM
I definitely think the reason that all these director are backing away is exactly what some others have said. They don't want to chance [frick]ing it up and being torn apart. Just how it is
DukeAcureds - 1/7/2013, 1:51 PM
Durf6199@ That sounds more like it. They ain't got the balls or the temerity to think they can do it without screwing it up, in some way. And I think they'd enjoy just being fans and taking back seats on it. Thye just wanna watch for themselves, like the rest of us and see what happens. If it's good, then they'll enjoy it all the more for that and if it's bad then they can come onto this site and bitch.
SuspenseSmith - 1/7/2013, 4:20 PM
These guys have contracts that go longer than actor's contracts, often for three or four years ahead as well. That's why it's hard to say who's available for one project or another.
SuspenseSmith - 1/7/2013, 4:21 PM
Rocketeer's Joe Johnston is still one of the best I think. He WORKED on the original trilogy already. He's a good fit.
Tevii - 1/7/2013, 5:41 PM
I have a theory why so many directors are turning this down: People's anticipation is impossible to match. The prequels were just as good as the original trilogy, but our anticipation was impossible to live up to. NO STAR WARS would've been good enough.

The first trilogy was a game changer, but the prequels were just as good. People expected another game changer... That's not cohesive.

A new trilogy will have high anticipation and potentially another directors career-suicide. The fans will destroy that person like they did Lucas. And that director won't deserve it anymore than Lucas did.
pintoman - 1/7/2013, 6:15 PM
^^

Yes, Joe Johnston would be fine choice to bring back the original spirit.
mgeoff88 - 1/7/2013, 9:13 PM
Wow, I guess this isn't too surprising; Guillermo Del Toro is known to take on a lot of projects at one time.

I really wish Brad Bird was directing Episode 7.
MCottisJorEl - 1/7/2013, 10:50 PM
I really hope directors keep turning it down. The saga ended on a good note. Let's leave it ended...leave this in development hell until it dies please.
NeoBaggins - 1/8/2013, 1:02 AM
They should keep pursuing the best directors for the job and not settle for just anyone.
Ceejay - 1/8/2013, 9:34 AM
The Prequels were as bad as Return of the Jedi and no way near as good as Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. This is why most directors don't really want to make continuing episodes to what is already a project with more bad films connected to it than actual good ones.

If Disney were smart, they would have announced a complete reboot of the saga or an entirely different set of SW films not connected with the whole Skywalker loves his sister, father is a serial mass murderer, mother chooses to die rather than bring up twins with lousy dad, making-it-up-as-you-go plots.

I think many directors would jump at the chance to do something decent within the Star Wars universe rather than continue those stupid films just to sell more franchise to fanboys.
TheAbomination - 1/8/2013, 8:20 PM
Hahaha no director in Hollywood wants to touch this because it's essentially the holy grail of summer blockbusters. At this point, Brad Bird seems like the best choice.
RonSwanson - 1/9/2013, 6:11 AM
I would LOVE to see Michael Bay or Sam Raimi direct episode 7, they're both clearly better than Del Toro.
fangz - 1/9/2013, 7:26 AM
there's a difference between being asked if someone is interested in a position and being offered a position. he doesn't say or imply that he was actually offered the position.

obviously, they needed to see who they could rule out, so they could have an idea of who they had to pick from.

@SuspenseSmith - exactly. i'm sure that there was knowledge of this deal before it was publicly announced , leaks and rumors, but for the most part, it pretty much hit the news and started moving straight towards an opening day. the real big name directors are already pretty much committed, you'd kinda be f^&king yourself to say yeah, i'm potentially interested in this job and then have it get back to whoever was backing the real job that you were about to start work on.

a Star Wars movie is obviously a pretty big endeavor and i think a big factor that everyone is wondering about, is how the whole situation is going to shake out as far as Lucasfilm working under Disney. like the chain of command, who's really gonna be calling the shots and what level of autonomy is going to realistically exist for anyone directing the next movie.

i'm sure Disney is ultimately calling the shots, but it's still unclear, i think, how involved certain powers already in place in Lucasfilm are going to be. it sounds like Lucasfilm ran a pretty insular system for the prequels and i think no one really knows what to expect for the future.

if there was one driving personality behind the offer, someone who could lay out the situation and who a director would have some way to reasonably gauge where they stood in the matter, i don't think we'd be seeing all these articles where people are mentioning that they were contacted and turned it down. because you wouldn't be talking out of school so casually if there was a face behind the phone call and the offer. you know what i mean?

cuz there is no big name director in Hollywood of the sort that would be an obvious, immediate choice for this that is afraid to tackle a Star Wars film becuz they can't deal with the pressure of it. gimme a break. that's not how you get in any kind of position to even be considered in the first place.

any kind of move these cats make can almost always be entirely attributed to them needing to cover their own ass. i'm sure lots of these reported 'not interested's are plenty interested, for sure, about future installments in the franchise, if not even this one. but things need to shape up more and it needs to be clear who is asking and what the job is going to entail.

given all that, someone like Joe Johnson might actually be the type of director we'll be seeing on the first few movies i think. and even tho i don't think he's that great, they could do a lot worse. i mean, George Lucas directed the last three. haha. it's only up from here, kiddos.

in fact, now that i think about it, someone who actually has had a working relationship with Lucas is what is totally needed right now. so he might be a pretty good pick for it.
fangz - 1/9/2013, 7:52 AM
@Tevil - no. you are wrong. and i have almost never said that in my entire life. i usually end up writing a goddam book just to ask someone to pass me the salt, please.

but you are wrong. the prequels were not just as good as the first two movies. you can make an argument about ROTJ, but i don't think you'll get far with that even.

you're saying the first trilogy was a 'game changer' and people just expect another 'game changer' but that the second trilogy wasn't that. and then you're saying that means that the first trilogy was just as bad as the second. and i don't see how that makes sense.

the idea of 'game changers' is what's messing things up there. becuz a movie can be really great on every level but not be a 'game changer'. that kind of title has something to do with things very removed from the quality of whatever is in question. 'game changers', it's a 'right place, right time' kind of thing and you can't expect to compare that. but you can still look at a thing's basic worth and compare it to other things and in no way are any of the prequels just as good as the original trilogy.

and i'm not a person that hates Lucas, or even hates the prequels. i saw them each a bunch of times and i don't even have a problem with Jar Jar Binks anymore. in fact now, strangely enough, after watching these movies too many times, i actually am starting to see his very offensiveness, in all it's glaring undefendability as being the secret beauty of his character. i guess Lucas works in mysterious ways.
fangz - 1/9/2013, 7:54 AM
@monkeyballs3 - if they ever do a reboot of Star Wars, there is gonna be blood in the streets.
believe me.
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