Huffington Post

In the never-ending online debate to find a new "Star Wars" director, a name that has been surprisingly muted -- at least comparatively -- is Joe Johnston. (The "Captain America: The First Avenger" director did receive an impassioned show of support from Movies.com editor Erik Davis this week.) You see, Johnston has been a disciple of George Lucas for some time, making his bones as an effects illustrator on the original "Star Wars" and as art director on "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." This is the man who designed Boba Fett's costume, for crying out loud! I reached out to Johnston for comment and, obviously, as with anyone in possible contention, he had to remain fairly mum on the subject -- but he certainly didn't rule it out. (Cinema, Joe Johnston, Star Wars: Episode VII)