Disney Confirms Standalone STAR WARS Films

We’ve got some Star Wars news to report on today.  We recently (and finally) learned that J.J. Abrams will be helming Star Wars: Episode VII, and today Disney CEO Bob Iger took part in a television appearance where he provided some updates on the studio’s Star Wars franchise.  It was previously reported that screenwriters Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg had been brought into the fold not only to work on this new trilogy, but also possibly on some standalone films centered around other characters in the Star Wars universe.  Iger confirmed today that that is indeed the case, as Disney is working on Star Wars films that are not a part of the overall saga.  Hit the jump for more.

If you missed it, click here for the news regarding Young Han Solo and Boba Fett spinoff films.

Speaking on CNBC, Iger offered the following confirmation:

I can confirm to you today that in fact we are working on a few standalone films, Larry Kasdan and Simon Kinberg are both working on films derived from great Star Wars characters that are not part of the overall saga. We still plan to make Star Wars 7, 8, and 9 roughly over a six-year period of time, starting in 2015. But there are going to be a few other films released in that period, too.

Late last night news broke that the first standalone Star Wars film might be centered around Yoda, but obviously Iger didn’t address that rumor.  It is encouraging that Kasdan—who co-wrote Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi—is involved in these other Star Wars films, but I for one am sincerely hoping that the Yoda rumor remains just a rumor.  Disney has a major opportunity to expand the Star Wars universe with new and interesting characters; we’ve gotten to know Yoda over five films already, so I’m eager to see something more fresh or exciting.

Iger also mentions the 2015 release date for Episode VII, even though Abrams and producer Kathleen Kennedy recently hinted that that release date might not be as firm.  Obviously the CEO of Disney wants new Star Wars movies to come out as soon as possible, but I imagine Abrams will be careful to ensure that he has enough time to make the best possible version of Episode VII.

Click here to catch up on all of our Star Wars coverage, or peruse the recent links below:

• Rumor: First Standalone STAR WARS Movie Centers on Yoda
• THE COLLISION: Episode 35 – J.J. Abrams and STAR WARS
• Producer Kathleen Kennedy Explains How She Got J.J. Abrams to Direct STAR WARS: EPISODE VII; Won’t Confirm 2015 Release
• STAR WARS News: Film Might Have Female Protagonist; Abrams Comments on Getting the Gig; May Not Have Agreed to 2015 Release
• It’s Official: J.J. Abrams Will Direct & Produce STAR WARS: EPISODE VII; Lawrence Kasdan & Simon Kinberg Consulting on the Film
• Lucasfilm Postpones Plans for Further STAR WARS 3D Re-Releases