Before we go any further with this, do bear in mind that a huge siren, like the collision warning on a Star Destroyer, is blaring in the back of our minds. Which signals, of course, that this is strictly a Rumour Alert. But Deadline’s sources have heard that franchise veteran Lawrence Kasdan and Sherlock Holmes writer Simon Kinberg are in contention to script the second and third films in the planned new Star Wars trilogy.
Naturally, Disney isn’t commenting on the speculation, but if it does turn out to be true, it could be very good news. That's particularly so in Kasdan’s case, since this is the man who co-wrote The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi - not to mention his work on Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Having Kasdan back as a Star Wars writer would surely lead to something special.
As for Kinberg, he has proven big film chops and knows how to make set pieces work. He’s most recently written X-Men: First Class sequel Days Of Future Past, which Bryan Singer is gearing up to direct.
This may all turn out to be nothing more than a wish list leaking out into the world, especially with Michael Arndt already locked in to write the first of the three. But given the fast pace Disney is looking for – roughly a film every other year after **Episode VII **arrives in 2015 – hiring other talent would be a sensible back-up.
So now? We wait and see. And remember: the Force will be with you, always. Except on Sundays and alternate Tuesdays, when it'll be with someone else.