Godzilla director to helm Star Wars spin-off

Godzilla filmmaker Gareth Edwards has been tapped to direct the first 3D stand-alone Star Wars spin-off film.

Following the success of his blockbuster monster movie, which opened last weekend (16-18May14), Edwards is now slated to take charge of the sci-fi epic origins film, which is slated for release in December, 2016, almost exactly a year after J.J. Abrams' highly-anticipated Episode VII hits cinemas in 2015.

While no plot or cast details about the film have been released, The Hollywood Reporter suggests Edwards will take on one of the stories behind characters such as bounty hunter Boba Fett, Jedi master Yoda or Han Solo.

Edwards says in a statement, "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 honoured to go on this mission with Lucasfilm."