THE creators of the “Game of Thrones” TV series are to make a series of films for the rapidly-expanding “Star Wars” universe. David Benioff and DB Weiss will begin work on “Star Wars” when “Game of Thrones” ends in 2019, Lucasfilm announced. Little is known about the project. But it will develop a story separate from the current series, and also from a trilogy planned by director Rian Johnson, who was behind 2017’s “The Last Jedi.” “In the summer of 1977 we traveled to a galaxy far, far away, and we’ve been dreaming of it ever since,” Benioff and Weiss said in a joint statement. “Game of Thrones,” known for its violence and nudity, is markedly different from the more family-friendly “Star Wars” films. But Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, said the pair “are some of the best storytellers working today.” Some have criticized the announcement, pointing to a lack of diversity among key figures in the “Star Wars” franchise. Since Disney purchased Lucasfilm, and the accompanying rights to “Star Wars,” it has ramped up production of new additions to the series. This year sees the release of spin-off film “Solo,” the final part of the recent trilogy due next year, while there are other TV projects planned. It is not the first tie-up between “Game of Thrones” and “Star Wars.” Gwendoline Christie — who plays Brienne of Tarth in the TV franchise — took on the role of Captain Phasma in both “The Force Awakens” and its sequel, “The Last Jedi.” Her “Game of Thrones” co-star Emilia Clarke will also play a leading role in “Solo.” (SD-Agencies) |