Ever since J.J. Abrams signed on to direct Star Wars: Episode VII early last year there was intense speculation as to whether he would be in for further installments in the sequel trilogy. Speculate no more, dear speculators, for Rian Johnson has officially been handed the directorial reins for the tentatively-titled Star Wars: Episode VIII and Star Wars: Episode IX, per Deadline’s Mike Fleming Jr.

Previously best known for writing and directing the indie cult gems Brick and The Brothers Bloom, Johnson made his entry into the arena of original science-fiction cinema with the 2012 smash hit Looper. The director’s love of the genre and ability to work equally well with big name stars and acclaimed actors doubtlessly played a part in his nabbing the coveted assignment of bringing the second and third Star Wars sequels to life. In an unsurprising development, Johnson will also write the screenplays for both films.

*Updated Below*

The great thing about owning Star Wars (if you happen to have a few billion dollars hiding in your gigantic couch cushions, as Disney did), is that you don’t have to wait around to see if one movie will do well enough to warrant a sequel and eventual franchise. It’s already one of the most established franchises in history, a guaranteed cash cow. And they plan on jumping all over that fact like a frat boy would a freshly microwaved burrito…hopefully to our collective delight, and not our condemnation.

We’ve already found out that Oscar winning Little Miss Sunshine and Toy Story 3 writer Michael Arndt will write the first planned movie, Star Wars Episode VII, for its 2015 release. But now comes word that the company is already looking at two more writers to take on the next two installments, Star Wars Episode VIII (or IIX? Have we ever gotten this high with a Roman numeral movie franchise?) and Star Wars Episode IX.