‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Director Power Rankings

Matthew Vaughn - the very first name rumored to direct 'Star Wars: Episode 7' - rockets back up to the top of the rankings after frequent collaborator and long-time friend Jason Flemyng seemingly indicated that Vaughn, indeed, was in discussions to direct. Flemyng backtracked but with so many candidates backing out, Vaughn does indeed seem like the frontrunner.

Like many directors on the list, Johnston was asked to comment on his potential involvement in 'Star Wars: Episode 7' but unlike most directors, he didn't immediately dismiss it. Johnston told The Huffington Post, "A lot would depend on what 'it' is. I am very glad to see Lucasfilm cranking up to get productive again." Not exactly a "YES!" but better than most directors who seem content to issue a formal denial and move on.

Not much movement on the Jon Favreau front. The director hasn't made any more comments since his last ambiguous statement. His only other project he has in the works is 'Magic Kingdom,' a project also set up at Disney that hasn't seen much in the way of movement over the past year or so. Not a lot of heat on Favreau but he's interested, he's available and he's already working for Disney, which keeps him as a decent possibility.

Sorry fans. The overwhelming top choice for 'Star Wars: Episode 7' director - Brad Bird - said on Twitter that he's busy with '1952' (which isn't secretly a 'Star Wars' film) and when asked about 'Star Wars' said, "Nope. Not Star Wars." We're keeping him on the list because a fat paycheck could convince him otherwise, but we wouldn't get our hopes up.

Like Bird, Trevorrow was once a hot commodity in the 'Star Wars: Episode 7' universe and has since issued a denial. While it seems that at one point, Trevorrow did meet with Lucasfilm and working on the film in some capacity, it never worked out and now he's instead looking to direct a remake of 'Flight of the Navigator' instead. Trevorrow was always sort of a longshot and now it seems like he's got no shot.