Gareth Edwards will direct first stand-alone Star Wars film

Lucasfilm and Disney announced today that “In addition to the episodes of a new Star Wars trilogy, Lucasfilm and Disney have begun development on multiple stand-alone movies that will offer new stories beyond the core Saga. Gareth Edwards will direct the first stand-alone film, with a screenplay by Gary Whitta. The film is due out December 16, 2016.”

Edwards is attached to direct a sequel to his recent Godzilla movie, with The Hollywood Reporter claiming he is going to direct Godzilla 3 as well.