In the last two years Disney–owned Lucasfilm has dismissed four directors in total. Interestingly all of them were indie filmmakers who went on to make a blockbuster, prior to being offered Star Wars.
First to get the sack was Fantastic Four’s Josh Trank, who was set to helm a Star Wars spin-off.
Next were Chris Miller and Phil Lord, who had shot most of the Han Solo movie.
Then last week saw Star Wars Episode IX’s Colin Trevorrow fired. But not everyone has been approving of these moves.
Now Hollywood director John Landis, best known for The Blues Brothers and An American Werewolf in London, has slammed Lucasfilm for their firings.
Speaking with Collider about possible future projects, the 67-year-old said: “I have many things that I’m working on, whether or not they’ll ever become real, I don’t know. You know Joe Dante and myself and a few other guys I know are in the same position.
“They’re not hiring people who have opinions. They think, ‘He knows what he’s doing, I’m not hiring him!’ Look at Star Wars.
“They keep firing guys. Phil Lord and Chris Miller, those guys are really talented. They’re really funny and original guys.”
He added: “They shot 75% of the movie and I gotta tell you, it doesn’t speak well for the new Lucasfilm.
“How many directors have they fired? Four. How many writers? Twelve.”