It's confirmed that Star Wars 8 director is Rian Johnson, expected to lend a different approach to the film's treatment while remaining faithful to the ongoing (and profitable) franchise.

Rian Johnson is confirmed to take over J.J. Abram's duties as director in upcoming Star Wars installments. With Star Wars 7 in the middle of development, Johnson is formally announced to handle Star Wars 8, with release date yet to be confirmed.

Johnson has several acclaimed films under on his belt, including "Looper" and "The Brothers Bloom." The announcement credits Johnson to direct Star Wars XIII, also confirmed to write the screenplay for the film.

A Deadline report maintains the deal to finalize Johnson's involvement in the ongoing Star Wars franchise is already in its final stages. Insider sources also report Johnson will direct and write the screenplay for the last installment in the Star Wars' sequel-trilogy.

A contrasting report from The Wrap does confirm Johnson will contribute into the script and story of Star Wars Episode IX, but his role as director is yet to be confirmed.

The Star Wars 8 director will work alongside Lawrence Kasdan, who's rumored to develop the spin-off to the franchise, a Boba Fett standalone film. Simon Kinberg's name also turns up in rumors of collaborations to future Star Wars installments and spin-offs.

The current roster of talent suggests the studios are letting in new blood in the Star Wars installments, also to spin-off titles. Established directors are passed over, and handling is entrusted to younger, yet proven handpicks.

Disney is expected to come up with new announcements during the production of Star Wars 7, given the unexpected reveal involving Rian Johnson. Enough confirmation and leaks have surfaced ever since the first installment in the sequel-trilogy started filming.

Rian Johnson hinted fans on what to expect next in a Tweet, with a short clip from 1983's "The Right Stuff" embedded (screenrant.com).