The unknown director chosen to take Star Wars forward

Rian Johnson was a relatively unknown writer and director when he was chosen to take on a Star Wars film.

Before he was handed keys to the Millennium Falcon to pilot Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, he was best known for helming Looper, the 2012 action thriller starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis.

He also had thee director credits on Breaking Bad when he was tasked with penning and directing one of the most eagerly anticipated films of all time.

The Force Awakens, the seventh episode in the franchise, was directed by J.J. Abrams, a well known and respected filmmaker, who had worked on hit TV shows like Lost and Alias, and made big films such as Mission: Impossible III, Star Trek and Super 8.

This can be seen as a significant sign of trust from Lucasfilm, the company behind Star Wars, especially in light of the troubled year it has experienced with directors.

Johnson will again serve as writer and director for the new trilogy, which will reportedly explore an expanded universe, away from the familiar characters.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi will be released in UK cinemas on December 14.