'Star Wars' Standalone Film Gets New Writer Chris Weitz

Movie

The Oscar-nominated writer is set to replace Gary Whitta who previously announced his departure from the project.

January 27, 2015

AceShowbiz -

The first "Star Wars" standalone film has a new writer. Following Gary Whitta's departure earlier this month, THR reported on Monday, January 26 that the movie had hired Oscar-nominated writer Chris Weitz ("Cinderella", "About a Boy").

Weitz is also a director apart from a writer. He was nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for "About a Boy" which he co-directed. His other directing credits include Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig-starring "The Golden Compass" and "The Twilight Saga's New Moon".

The first "Star Wars" spin-off has also been searching for potential cast members. Last week, it was reported that some actresses including Rooney Mara, Felicity Jones and Tatiana Maslany were testing for an unspecified role.

Editors' Pick

Details regarding the movie's plot are kept under wraps. The untitled stand-alone 'Star Wars' film is set to arrive in U.S. theaters on December 16, 2016, while the highly-anticipated "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" directed by J.J. Abrams is coming on December 18.

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