While Eternals didn't strike a chord with some critics, fans appear to be loving the latest Marvel Studios (despite a "B" CinemaScore, it has an 80% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes). The movie's opening weekend was not to be sniffed at, either, and after her Oscar win for Nomadland, director Chloé Zhao is bound to be one of the most highly sought-after filmmakers in Hollywood.
Zhao has expressed interest in returning for an Eternals sequel, but also used the movie's press tour to make her interest in Star Wars known. Now, it's being reported that Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has tapped the director to take the helm of the Star Wars movie he's developing for Lucasfilm.
According to One Take News (and a number of other reliable sources, including Jordan Maison), Zhao is in final talks to direct that mystery project. Some claim discussions are at an early stage, while others believe it's a done deal; either way, it sounds like she's been Feige's top pick from the start.
It's definitely exciting to think about what the Eternals helmer could bring to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, and a few bad reviews clearly haven't dampened Feige's excitement to continue working with Zhao. We've heard nothing about the plot of this big screen Star Wars adventure, though Loki Head Writer Michael Waldron has been working on the screenplay for a while.
Given Feige's passion for the franchise, we'd be shocked if he doesn't look to build on the world he loves so much, but there's still a chance this could tie into those long-rumoured High Republic plans. Those reports received something of a tepid response from fans after the novels and comic books were released, so we'll see.
If this is true, don't be surprised if an official announcement follows in the next few weeks.
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