To direct a modern Star Wars film means embracing an enormous amount of pressure, especially in an industry where every tiny detail of large film productions get reported on. For Episode IX director Colin Trevorrow, that also means dealing with the blowback from other projects; the director's most recent film, The Book of Henry, has not fared well with critics. With Episode IX being Trevorrow's next film, the reception has some wondering if the director is up to the task of helming the concluding chapter.
Trevorrow commented on this criticism in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying that the weight of his task is something he thinks about very often."Not only did I grow up on these stories, like all of us did, [but] I think that the values of Star Wars are values that I hold very close and very dear in my life," he explained. "I feel that the message of the way that the Force teaches you to treat other people and show respect for others, and the way it guides you through life, is really important to me. And I hope everybody would realize that that set of stories has affected me as deeply in my life as it has affected them."
"I think the challenge for me is to recognize that everyone has their own personal relationship with these stories, and it’s different depending on who you are," he said. "And I need to make a film that you’ll appreciate, even if your experience with it was different, which is making something that will be deeply emotionally resonant and satisfying for people all around the world. And I think about it a lot."
Trevorrow also commented on the recent director swap for the untitled Han Solo film, which saw directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller fired and replaced with Ron Howard. "Movies are very personal, and art is very personal, and for people to try to turn that into something that is salacious or something that will get clicks is frustrating and sad for me because I know that [movies] mean a lot to everyone involved," he said. "And everybody involved in that movie is passionate about it and worked on it very hard and continues to work on it very hard."
Do you have faith in Trevorrow to deliver on Episode IX? Sound off in the comments! Star Wars: Episode IX is set for release on May 24, 2019.
About The Author:
Matt is a graduate of the Ryerson University School of Journalism, and has been a fan of superheroes since he picked up his first comic book issue as a child. While he works as a professional musician, Matt has a massive passion for comic books, films and heroes, along with participating in discussion and debate with the CBM community.