LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- A filmmaker who had been put in charge of one of the upcoming Star Wars anthology films announced that he's dropping out of the project.
Josh Trank, who has been developing the still untitled film for a year, announced Friday that he has decided to move forward "on a different path," Entertainment Weekly reported.
There has been speculation for months of collaborative disagreements between Trank and the leadership at Lucasfilm regarding the film, which is expected in 2018. Director Gareth Edwards is directing the first film in the reboot series, titled Rogue One, expected in 2016.
"After a year of having the incredible honor of developing with the wonderful and talented people at Lucasfilm, I'm making a personal decision to move forward on a different path," Trank said in a statement.
"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," he added.
Lucasfilm acknowledged Trank's departure as well, despite the rumors of creative differences behind the scenes.
"It was a privilege to collaborate with Josh. We are grateful for the energy and love of Star Wars that he brought to the process, and we wish him all the best," Lucasfilm executive Kiri Hart said.
Variety reported Friday that part of the reason for the split may have had to do with Trank having to work with screenwriter Simon Kinberg on the project. The pair worked in identical capacities for the Fantastic Four reboot film due this summer and reportedly clashed during its development.
No cast members for the film have yet been announced, and producers will likely postpone such news until after a replacement director is found, the EW report said.
The anthology films will focus on other elements and characters of the Star Wars universe, but act as standalone pictures.
