Yates or Cuaron are fantastic choices. They both understand big blockbuster, effects, dark tone but still appropriate for younger viewers. Big character arcs, high emotion, epic universes. Either one gets my vote, with Yates with slight edge. Bird's a popular choice right now - he's good, but I don't know what of his suggests that he'd be a good fit for SW. Abrams I LOVE LOVE LOVE, but he's a little too stylized for Star Wars. He'd make it his own, instead of letting the universe reign. As this is Episode 7 (and thus theoretically some sort of continuation of the story) JJ seems like he'd be too much of a departure from the earlier work. ...Man, that'd be a rad looking Star Wars film, though. Maybe a spin-off trilogy outside of 7-9 with a darker tone. Some sort of bounty hunter story. I'd watch that for sure. Favreau has done some excellent work. This might be a nice way to get his career back on track, and he certainly has the chops. And of course Joss Whedon would be awesome. The HP alums I think have a strong edge in terms of delivering blockbusters under extreme expectation and making them powerful and good.

Anyone who isn't on that list. I have no faith that any modern director/writer is capable of capturing the magic of the original movies. Before they go into production they should get the RedLetterMedia guy to do a read-over of the script - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfBhi6qqFLA

I'm trying hard to give a hoot about Star Wars, butI doubt anyone could make films as bad as the last three though.

This is exactly the reason I'm so excited Disney has made this move - I think a big part of the reason that 5 & 6 are pretty much universally considered the best of the six is because Lucas was forced to take a lesser role. Not unimportant role (I'm not a Lucas basher) but the collaboration and teamwork created something even beyond what Lucas could do by himself. What happened in 1-3 is Lucas was untouchable. He was able to make every choice unhindered by anyone because he was LUCAS. Those films aren't as strong. (I hesitate to say they're terrible, because kids absolutely love the crap out of them, and that's magic.) In theory, this will allow competition to drive the creativity and challenge the work. It's not about following Lucas blindly, it'll be about creating the best film which (as it will be made by a whole generation of filmmakers who love the originals with the same passion we do) will have the franchise's best interests at heart.

Personally, I'd like to see Shane Black take a stab at it.

Nobody on this list gets me as pumped up as the idea of Brad Bird steering the reigns. Yes, Ghost Protocol proved his live action chops. More importantly, I think he has the creative integrity and determination to make sure the film's perfect, and after the prequels I would predict a lot of backlash if episode VII isn't pretty much flawless. What the film needs is someone who's dedicated to the Star Wars storyverse. I think it's wrong to immediately target these directors who have big names and do blockbuster well (and all of whom are fantastic) rather than targeting directors who will honor and respect the storyverse. The prequels weren't good because of the story, or lack thereof. Peter Jackson's most recognized work pre-Lord of the Rings was bio-crime drama Heavenly Creatures, which won an Oscar for screenwriting. Other than that, he had low-budget horror films like Dead Alive (probably one of the best zombie movies ever) and The Frighteners. Yet, he was still selected to direct one of the biggest book-to-movie franchises ever. And he did an absolutely killer job without prior blockbuster experience. I think making a move like this could be smart for the Star Wars franchise.

I hope that the film is directed by Duncan Jones. I think that he is more than capable. However, Joe Johnston is the most logical choice due to his pre-existing relationship with the material. In fact, i wouldn't be surprised if it was part of the agreement- seeing as how Lucasfilm paid for his Film Schooling. I hope that I get to direct an episode in the future; after I establish my career.

If oddball choices like Irving Kershner and Richard Marquand can make great Star Wars movies, then I say get someone that can handle solid storytelling and get performances out of actors. Going after superstar directors may not be the best idea. Then again... Quentin Tarantino?

Frank Darabont would be my choice for screenwriter, but it's doubtful he'll go anywhere near anything Lucas after the Indy 4 debacle.

I don't know ... Don't discount George just yet. I've heard Lucas has been interning in Washington and has a whole new spin on how bills become laws that he wanted to work into Ep. 7-9. Actually [Spoiler alert] the opening crawl in Ep. 7 is the entire transcript of the minutes from the first Senate hearing after the Death Star II was destroyed. Color me intrigued.