Michael Arndt has been hired to write the screenplay for Episode VII. He won an Academy Award for the screenplay for Little Miss Sunshine and was nominated for the screenplay for Toy Story 3. Arndt is an accomplished screenwriter, something the Star Wars series hasn’t had since Lawrence Kasdan co-wrote The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. I enjoyed both Little Miss Sunshine and Toy Story 3 and am excited to see what Arndt brings to Episode VII.
Episode VII may have its writer but it has yet to find a director. And, at the rate popular directors are turning down the project, it may be a while until we know who will be behind the camera. Here’s a list of directors who have already practically taken their names out of consideration to direct Episode VII.
Steven Spielberg
J.J. Abrams
Jon Favreau
Zak Snyder
Quentin Tarantino
I’d still like to see Brad Bird take over the reigns for Episode VII but I can understand why he or any other director would want to turn it down.
There was so much negative backlash over the prequels; I don’t know why anyone would want to potentially open themselves up to that kind of response. It’s so easy to talk about a director and the crap that he or she makes; I’ve often derided Brett Ratner for ruining the X-Men movies. We need to remember, though, that directors are just artists trying to create something that is good, engaging and profitable. And the weight of creating another movie in one of the most beloved franchises in history must be overwhelming.
The potential for failure seems to overshadow the potential for success.
None of us are going to get asked to direct Episode VII but we still wrestle with our potential failures overshadowing our potential successes. God gives each of us a purpose and a calling but sometimes we deny them because we’re scared we might fail. God called Moses to lead his people out of Egypt but Moses shied away from the responsibility because he was afraid he didn’t have it in him.
When God calls us we sometimes think that we don’t have what it takes or that we’re not nearly qualified enough. However, as many people have said, God doesn’t call the qualified he qualifies the called. It’s not about being good enough for our calling; it’s about trusting that God will use us no matter what.
We’re told that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. We don’t have to have it all together because if we did, we wouldn’t need God. And while you and I may understand that, I certainly hope the future director of Episode VII understands that. God could make an amazing Star Wars movie, we just need a director who will let him.
That’s why I’m withdrawing my support for Brad Bird and giving it to Kirk Cameron.
How has God qualified you for something for which you weren’t prepared?
I’m sure Kirk appreciates having your endorsement. It’ll go a long way with the faith and family films gatekeepers who secretly control the future of Star Wars (and Hollywood itself).
Thanks for the good word, sir. I need this reminder more often than not and today is no exception.