New Star Wars 3D trilogy rumor picks up speed, adding Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola as possible directors!

Star Wars
Star Wars

This report is strictly a rumor for now, according to GeekTyrant and Marketsaw, but these rumblings have been around since the release of Star Wars: Episode III. I remember reading a few years ago when 3D began it’s great resurgence, that both the original trilogy, as well as the prequel trilogy, were destined for a 3D theatrical release, and an update on that project is included here, but these supposed development are new to me, so I thought I’d share what I’ve been reading.

According to a tip Marketsaw received from a source, George Lucas is planning to develop and lense a completely new trilogy of Star Wars films in stereoscopic 3D. This on top of the hit animated series on Cartoon Network – Star Wars The Clone Wars – and a new live-action TV series that’s already in development.

Here’s what Marketsaw says about the source:

How seriously should you consider these rumors? Well it is coming from a source that SHOULD KNOW. This source is absolutely connected. So odds are it is seriously being talked about at Lucasfilm. Right now. Will it happen? AVATAR will have to hit and hit big and then all the stars have to align properly – all I can do is pass on the info.

While this could all just be wild conjecture, there are a few variables to consider:

  1. The Star Wars brand has spawned an entire ecosystem of story lines, many of which are ripe for development on-screen.
  2. Let’s be honest – many die-hard fans were less than thrilled with Episodes I and II of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, leaving the door wide open for Lucas – or if Lucas allows – a new generation of talent, to “reboot” the entire Star Wars phenomenon, in an entirely new and exciting way.

According to the report, Lucas has no interest in directing the new films. But the “source” goes on to say that Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola are possible directors for the future Star Wars trilogy. Now this is just sounding outright insane, right? I don’t hold much stock in this part of the rumor at all. It all sounds just too incredible to be believed, so please keep in mind that rumors like this emerge online often, regarding a number of high profile franchises.

GeekTyrant also made a good point, saying that Steven Spielberg couldn’t direct Star Wars, even if he wanted to because he would have to leave the Directors Guild to do it. George Lucas isn’t a member of the Guild and doesn’t abide by their guidelines. It’s the same reason Spielberg didn’t direct Return of the Jedi.

According to the report, Lucas is still planning to convert the existing Star Wars film into 3D. That’s been confirmed and has been in development for some time now. But the rest of the new sounds a bit more than just suspect. What do you think?