David Fincher nearly directed Star Wars Episode IX
Director David Fincher held discussions with Lucasfilm about helming Star Wars projects but negotiations collapsed over creative control disputes. The InSneider reported that executives first contacted Fincher for Episode IX when production faced difficulties before J.J. Abrams returned to complete the sequel trilogy.
Fincher worked as an assistant cameraman on Return of the Jedi and maintained connections with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy through their collaboration on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The Hollywood Reporter stated in 2014 that the studio approached him for Episode VII before talks shifted to Episode IX.
The filmmaker agreed to compromise on budget constraints but refused to surrender final cut authority over the finished film. Lucasfilm executives declined to grant complete creative control to protect the franchise brand across multiple generations of viewers.
