So is Zack Snyder Directing a STAR WARS / 7 SAMURAI Spin-Off, or Not?


The internet’s been all abuzz today with news that grit-tacular director Zack Snyder is in talks to helm one of Disney’s many planned Star Wars spin-offs. While that notion alone should be enough to warrant a round of cheers from the horde of nervous nerds who’ve watched these latest  rumors with bated (and Cheetos scented) breath, it hasn’t exactly been confirmed. In fact, just the opposite’s happened. Snyder’s representative has issued a coy little statement claiming that the Man of Steel big-wig is NOT involved with that galaxy so far, far away…

“While he is super flattered because he is a huge fan, Zack is not involved in any way with the new Star Wars. He is currently in post on his two films, Man of Steel and 300: Battle of Artemisia.”

A shame, isn’t it? I’ve never been a huge fan of Snyder, but I have to admit, he is one of the most competent directors in the superhero movie subgenre, creating instant classics with Watchmen and 300. If all indications are true, then his Superman reboot will be phenomenal as well (thanks in no small part to producer Christopher Nolan), so I’d love to see a Snyder led Star Wars movie.

Here’s what Vulture had to say in response to Snyder’s nay saying:

Vulture takes the accuracy of its reports very seriously. And while a piece published in The Hollywood Reporter this evening quotes Snyder’s rep as saying that the director “is not involved in any way with the new Star Wars,” Vulture stands by its story. This reporter heard through a source very familiar with the situation that Snyder recently flew up to Marin County to meet with Lucasfilm execs about the project. When subsequently reached by Vulture, Snyder’s spokesperson would only repeat that he “is” not currently involved. One should note the possible political ramifications here of our original story break: Snyder’s last Warner Bros. film, Sucker Punch, lost millions for the studio, and execs there could have become distressed at the idea of him getting involved with another studio’s franchise when they have so much at stake with their upcoming Man of Steel and want him available for an immediate sequel.

So… maybe he actually WILL direct this flick, after all? Let’s pretend that he will, and that all of these recent reports are accurate (just for a moment, at least). Apparently, Snyder’s iteration will be inspired by the 7 Samurai, a recreation of that classic tale. He could finally return some reverence to the Jedi and their glowing sticks of death, redeeming the 3 previous films of boring, emotionless slicing and dicing.  Although, if it’s accurate to the original Japanese film, I imagine that it takes place immediately after the fall of the Republic.  That’s the only time that a group of masterless Jedi could be found wandering the galaxy (if they survived Order 66, that is).

What do you think of it? True? False? Awesomely awesome?

I know this is a bit unrelated, but Tom Cruise once played a Samurai (kinda), and in this photoshop, he looks awesome with a lightsaber.  I mean… Tom Cruise as a Jedi is actually a pretty brilliant idea

SOURCE: HR & Vulture