Rian Johnson Charts "Star Wars: Episode VIII"

THR reports that "Looper" and "Brick" writer-director Rian Johnson is inking a deal to both pen and call action on "Star Wars: Episode VIII" as well as write a treatment for "Star Wars: Episode IX".

Johnson would essentially take over from J.J. Abrams who is currently at work on "Star Wars: Episode VII" and is laying the foundation for the new trilogy for Johnson to follow. Whether he'll direct "Star Wars: Episode IX" too is unclear, despite reports to the contrary earlier today.

Abrams will likely remain as producer on the other two films in the trilogy - much like he did with Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol after he directed Mission: Impossible III.

Disney/Lucasfilm have NOT officially confirmed the news yet, but an announcement is expected soon.

Looper is a fantastic movie! Is it wrong that I am now more excited about Ep 8 than than 7?