Empire and Jedi writer 'signed for Star Wars sequels'

Lawrence Kasdan, the co-writer of 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi', is reportedly signed up to write two of the forthcoming 'Star Wars' sequels.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, veteran writer Kasdan has signed a deal with fellow scribe Simon Kinberg, who penned 'X-Men: The Last Stand' and 'Sherlock Holmes', to write 'Star Wars' episodes VIII and IX, though it's not yet known who will write which film.

[Related story: Toy Story 3 writer will pen Star Wars sequel]
[Related story: Bird rules himself out of Star Wars VII]

It follows news that 'Toy Story 3' scribe Michael Arndt is now confirmed to pen 'Star Wars' episode VII for Disney, who sensationally bought up Lucasfilm earlier this month for just over $4 billion.

As well as 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi', Kasdan wrote the screenplay for 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', which was also produced by Lucasfilm.

Meanwhile, Kinberg is co-writing the next X-Men film, 'X-Men: Days of Future Past'.

Kasdan's involvement on the forthcoming projects will be welcomed by fans of the original films, many of whom class 'The Empire Strikes Back' as the original trilogy's finest hour.

But there's still no news on who may direct the forthcoming films.

Previous favourites Brad Bird and Colin Trevorrow recently ruled themselves out of the running, leaving rumours of Jon Favreau and Joe Johnston, director of 'Jurassic Park III' and 'Captain America: The First Avenger' being among a list of likely candidates.