The Star Wars empire of hype has been dealt a rare blow with news that the second of the planned stand-alone spin-off movies, as yet untitled, has lost its director.
Josh Trank, the 30-year-old director of the 2012 sci-fi hit Chronicle and the forthcoming reboot of Fantastic Four – a Marvel property, but one whose film rights reside with Fox rather than Disney – has left the project after 12 months of development.
It has been widely reported that Trank left of his own accord and that his departure was "a personal decision".
However, a report on trade site The Hollywood Reporter, headlined "Inside a 'Star Wars' Firing: 'Fantastic Four' problems led to director Josh Trank's ouster", suggests otherwise.
Trank announced his decision on the official Star Wars website on Friday.
"After a year of having the incredible honour of developing with the wonderful and talented people at Lucasfilm, I'm making a personal decision to move forward on a different path.
"I've put a tremendous amount of thought into this, and I know deep down in my heart that I want to pursue some original creative opportunities.
"That said, the Star Wars universe has always been one of my biggest influences, and I couldn't be more excited to witness its future alongside my millions of fellow Star Wars fans. I want to thank my friends Kathleen Kennedy, Kiri Hart, Simon Kinberg, and everyone at Lucasfilm and Disney for the amazing opportunity to have been a part of this. May the Force be with you all."
According to THR, though, "sources" claimed "reports of the young director's unusual conduct during the making of Fox's upcoming Fantastic Four movie had raised alarm among Lucasfilm executives".
Trank had allegedly exhibited "erratic" behaviour and had at times been "very isolated" on set, and failed to offer clear direction.
"If you've got someone who can't answer questions, or who isn't sure, or is in hiding, that's not good," one source told THR.
It was also claimed Trank's dogs caused $100,000 worth of damage to the house the studio had rented for him during the F4 shoot.
Whatever the circumstances of Trank's departure, the juggernaut will roll on. Lucasfilm (which is owned by Disney) is continuing to develop the stand-alone Star Wars anthology project.
The first movie in that series, Rogue One, is being directed by Gareth Edwards (Monsters, Godzilla) and is due for release in December 2016.
On Twitter: @karlkwin
