Will Eternals director Chloé Zhao be directing a Star Wars movie?

Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao is currently bracing for the release of her first major blockbuster film, Eternals, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She made her mark in lower budget films such as 2017’s Songs My Brother Taught Me and last year’s Nomadland.

As with any modern screen visionary on the rise, questions are abound about what project is next for Zhao. Should Eternals be a success, are there perhaps more high budget works in store for the 39-year-old?

No better resume than success

When recently quizzed about her potential involvement in an upcoming Star Wars project, Zhao said “I have to tread very carefully with what I say here,” which, interestingly, wasn’t a denial. “Yes. Let’s just say, it’s a world I have so much reverence for because it was such an important part of my life.”

Zhao’s less-than-specific answer has had the internet ablaze with speculation as of late. Although there is no future film slated with Zhao at the helm, her inability to deny any involvement has let rumors fly freely.

Fellow superhero director of Wonder Woman, Patty Jenkins, will also be making the switch to Star Wars with her 2023 slated Rogue Squadron as well as fellow MCU creative Taika Waititi, who is also helming his own story in the galaxy far, far away.

In this, we see a precedent for directors who make their name with smaller, well-received films who then take the reigns of megalithic blockbusters that each have their own unique feel, complimenting the directors style.

“I have been a fan of the MCU for the last decade. So, I put the word out there I wanted to make a Marvel movie and the right project came to me,” said Zhao, showing that she is certainly in with the right people to get her vision on the screen.

“…back to world-building. It is my favorite thing. That’s why I love Star Wars. There is a world that is so rich. I wanted to enter it and see what I can do. It’s the same as what you’re saying. Can I put a spin on it while still being true to the essence of it?” Only time will tell if a Zhao Star Wars picture can capture the same magic while still keeping things fresh.

What type of Star Wars film would you like to see from Chloé Zhao? Let us know in the comments below. And keep up with the Star Wars directors category on Dork Side of the Force for more!