Josh Trank, an American film director and also a screenwriter, was once revealed to be the chosen director for a standalone Star Wars film. However, on May 1, 2015, it was made public that Trank was no longer involved in the project.
On June 4, 2014, Disney and Lucasfilm initially shared the news of Trank's participation in their series of upcoming Star Wars spinoff films. He joined writers Simon Kinberg and Lawrence Kasdan, as well as director Gareth Edwards, as individuals confirmed to have key roles in the production of a Star Wars spinoff film. Kinberg suggested Trank to Lucasfilm after they collaborated on the Fantastic Four reboot.
Trank's involvement with Star Wars also includes a short film he directed and released online in 2007, called Stabbing at Leia's 22nd Birthday. This short depicts a lightsaber fight erupting during an ordinary party, concluding with the victorious fighter being taken into custody by stormtroopers.
On May 1, 2015, Lucasfilm made the announcement that Trank had decided to step away from his role as director of the second Star Wars Anthology film. Trank stated that his decision stemmed from a desire to work on a smaller-scale project after dedicating three years to Fantastic Four.
- Josh Trank To Direct Stand-Alone Star Wars Film on StarWars.com (backup link)
- " Launch Pad " — Star Wars Insider 151
- Star Wars Celebration 2015: Conversations with Gareth Edwards and Josh Trank on StarWars.com (backup link)
- Josh Trank Departs Star Wars Anthology Film on StarWars.com (backup link)