<P> The idea for the film was conceived by John Knoll who worked as a visual effects supervisor of the prequel trilogy films . In May 2014, Lucasfilm announced Gareth Edwards as the director of the first anthology film, with Gary Whitta writing the first draft, for a release on December 16, 2016 . On March 12, 2015, the film's title was revealed to be Rogue One, with Chris Weitz rewriting the script, and starring Felicity Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, and Diego Luna . In April 2015, a teaser trailer was shown during the closing of the Star Wars Celebration . Lucasfilm announced filming would begin in the summer of 2015 and released the plot synopsis . Director Edwards stated, "It comes down to a group of individuals who don't have magical powers that have to somehow bring hope to the galaxy ."; and describing the style of the film as similar to that of a war film: "It's the reality of war . Good guys are bad . Bad guys are good . It's complicated, layered; a very rich scenario in which to set a movie ." After its debut, Rogue One received generally positive reviews, with its performances, action sequences, soundtrack, visual effects and darker tone being praised . The film grossed over US $500 million worldwide within a week of its release . Characters from the animated series appear, Saw Gerrera (from The Clone Wars) in a pivotal role in the plot and Chopper (from Star Wars: Rebels) in a cameo . </P> <P> A film focusing on Han Solo before the events of Episode IV: A New Hope . </P> <P> The script was written by Star Wars veteran Lawrence Kasdan, and his son Jon Kasdan . The film stars Alden Ehrenreich as a young Han Solo, Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca (after serving as a double for the character in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi), Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, and Emilia Clarke and Woody Harrelson . Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller began principal photography on the film, but due to creative differences, the pair left the project in June 2017 with three and a half weeks remaining in principal photography . Academy Award - winning director Ron Howard was announced as their replacement . While his first Star Wars film, Howard had previously collaborated with producing company Lucasfilm as an actor in the George Lucas - directed film American Graffiti (1973) and as director of Willow (1988). Howard was one of the three directors George Lucas asked to direct Episode I: The Phantom Menace, though Howard declined, saying, "George, you should do it!". The film is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and will be released on May 25, 2018 . </P> <P> A third Anthology film will be released in 2020 . A writer for the film has been hired as of September 2016 . </P>

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