Taika Waititi is a step closer to making a feature film set in a galaxy far, far away, according to two of the US film industry's most reputable publications.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, sources say Waititi "has been approached to develop a Star Wars movie", while Variety says its reporters have confirmed he's "in early talks".
Waititi was informally offered a Star Wars film by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy in 2017, when asked directly about the idea by Newshub's Kate Rodger.
Since then, Waititi has won international praise for his acting and directing roles of Star Wars TV show The Mandalorian, in addition to being given a second Thor film.
Thor is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which is owned by the same company that owns Star Wars - Disney.
In its report, the Hollywood Reporter calls Waititi "one of the most sought-after in town with his ability to oscillate tones, scope and budgets".
The Boy filmmaker's latest film, JoJo Rabbit, is nominated for six Oscars and he's currently working on Samoan football film Next Goal Wins.
Further down the line, Waititi will write and direct Thor: Love and Thunder, and is still attached to a US remake of Japanese classic Akira.
Waititi hasn't responded to the latest Star Wars report - but did post a photo on Twitter suggesting it was just a rumour.
