Star Wars standalone film gets a screenwriter

With Gary Whitta having departed the first Star Wars standalone film, and with Simon Kinberg passing on the job, The Hollywood Reporter are reporting that Chris Weitz has signed on as screenwriter. This is interesting news, as Weitz’s credits don’t include anything particularly in the realm of science-fiction, except The Golden Compass, but may be better known for Twilight: New Moon, Antz and the upcoming Cinderella live-action movie directed by Kenneth Branagh. Weitz has also directed himself, being the man behind About A Boy. With a writer now in place, along with a director (Gareth Edwards), all is left is for a cast to be announced – with Rooney Mara, Tatiana Maslany and possibly Felicity Jones all reportedly vying for the lead role. The Star Wars standalone movie will be released on December 16, 2016.