Deadline reports tonight that a director has been chosen for Star Wars Episode VIII and that'll it be Rian Johnson, helmer of Indie favourites Brick and The Brothers and the 2012 sci-fi favourite Looper who will be traveling to that galaxy far, far away. Johnson will write and direct the movie, taking over the franchise reigns from Episode VII helmer J.J. Abrams. Not only that but according to The Wrap he will also provide treatment for the final part of the trilogy saga, Star Wars Episode IX, though no director is yet set. Official confirmation should be coming soon. If you're keeping score at home that makes Johnson the FOURTH director currently planning a Star Wars movie; J.J. Abrams of course is currently shooting Star Wars Episode VII for release December 18th, 2015 and both Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, Monsters) and Josh Trank (Chronicle) are working on spin-offs to come soon after, with one Star Wars movie planned every year after 2015. What do you make of the choice of Rian Johnson to direct Star Wars Episode VIII? Does this announcement mean we can also expect J.J. Abrams to return to the Star Trek franchise once he has finished his Star Wars movie? Please, comments welcome below...