Something evident while watching “Godzilla” is the love of British director Gareth Edward for the Lucas Films and Amblin movies. Disney has confirmed that the filmmaker will helm the first Star Wars stand-alone movie (spin-off/prequel), independent from the new trilogy that J.J. Abrams is starting with “Episode VII.” All the rumors point to a Boba Fett prequel, but a Han Solo and a Yoda film are also possible.

Here is the official statement, via StarWars.com.

“In addition to the episodes of a new Star Wars trilogy, Lucasfilm and Disney have begun development on multiple stand-alone movies that will offer new stories beyond the core Saga. Gareth Edwards will direct the first stand-alone film, with a screenplay by Gary Whitta. The film is due out December 16, 2016.

Gareth Edwards blazed into the filmmaking forefront with his acclaimed work on Monsters, a film he wrote, directed and served on as cinematographer and visual effects artist. The skill and vision readily apparent in Monsters earned him the high-profile spot directing this year’s smash hit Godzilla.

“Ever since I saw Star Wars I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life — join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited and honored to go on this mission with Lucasfilm,” said Edwards.

Gary Whitta’s screenwriting credits include 2010’s The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington. He is also well known as a journalist and editor in the video game industry, as well as part of the BAFTA award-winning team on Telltale Games adaptation of The Walking Dead.

Whitta states, “From the moment I first saw the original movie as a wide-eyed kid, Star Wars has been the single most profound inspiration to my imagination and to my career as a writer. It is deeply special to me,so to be given the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing legacy, especially in collaboration with a film-maker as talented as Gareth, is literally a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself.”

I like the fact of having young and visionary directors playing in this universe. But despite his proven capacity of crafting atmospheric scenarios and digital creatures, Edwards hasn’t shown an equal amount of talent getting great performances out of his cast.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Edward is still attached to take over the announced Godzilla sequel and probably a third installment too. Take a look at his previous directorial efforts.