Gary Whitta Leaves Star Wars Standalone Film

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Screenwriter Gary Whitta has finished his work on director Gareth Edwards' Star Wars standalone film.

The Hollywood Reporter says Whitta "completed a first draft" and "has now left the project."

Lucasfilm is expected to name a new writer, THR says, meaning that work on the script is not complete. Filming is expected to begin in a few months.

In a statement, Edwards said, "Gary has been a wonderful, inspired contributor and I enjoyed working with him tremendously. I'm so grateful for all of his contributions."

Whitta tweeted the following:

This is by far the most I’ve ever enjoyed writing a title page. See you in 2016! #MTFBWY pic.twitter.com/Wr3Ij1XUKj

— Gary Whitta (@garywhitta) January 10, 2015

My year of work in a galaxy far, far away is done! I’m onto my next project, adapting @mrmarkmillar’s STARLIGHT for 20th Century Fox!

— Gary Whitta (@garywhitta) January 10, 2015

"The year I spent working with Lucasfilm on this Star Wars film has been by far the most rewarding period of my entire career," Whitta said in a statement. "As a lifelong Star Wars fan I’m deeply grateful to have had the rare opportunity to contribute to a new chapter in its ongoing cinematic legacy. The film is going to be amazing."

Edwards' standalone is set for release on December 16, 2016.

The reason for Whitta's departure was not made clear. We will update if we learn more.

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