We've heard rumors that there would be a point where we could see multiple 'Star Wars' films in a single year, much like what Marvel is doing with their superhero universe. What would that mean outside of 'Star Wars: Episode 7' and its sequels we didn't really know but now we've got a much better idea of Disney's plans. Director Zack Snyder ('Man of Steel') is developing a 'Star Wars' spinoff that would be loosely based on 'The Seven Samurai' but with Jedi.

Vulture is reporting that Snyder is "developing" a spinoff 'Star Wars' project for Lucasfilm and Disney that would be set outside of the universe created in 'Star Wars: Episode 7.' The exact timeline remains to be seen but they claim that the film would take place sometime after the events of 'Return of the Jedi.'

If you've never seen 'The Seven Samurai' a) we recommend you do so soon and b) it goes something like this (via the Criterion disc):

The story is set during the civil unrest of 16th-century Japan, as the cowering residents of a small farming village are seeking protection against seasonal attacks by a band of marauding bandits. Offering mere handfuls of rice as payment, they hire seven unemployed "ronin" (masterless samurai), including a boastful swordsman (Toshiro Mifune) who is actually a peasant farmer's son, desperately seeking glory, acceptance, and revenge against those who destroyed his family.

What is interesting is how Snyder will adapt this to the world of Jedis as a Jedi would never seek revenge (hence, why 'Revenge of the Jedi' was retitled 'Return of the Jedi').

Filming on this project is expected to begin after 'Star Wars: Episode 7' would begin so things are still a ways off but also clear that the post-George Lucas plans for 'Star Wars' are starting to take shape.

Update: The Hollywood Reporter now has a story up with Snyder's people offering a vague denial. Their exact quote is such: "While he is super flattered because he is a huge fan, Zack is not involved in any way with the new Star Wars. He is currently in post on his two films, Man of Steel and 300: Battle of Artemisia.” Whether this is true or not is yet to be seen, as often in cases like this publicists are told to lie. We'll keep you updated on the latest as soon as we hear more.

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