Rian Johnson has been lined up to write and direct Star Wars: Episode VIII.

Lucasfilm is currently making a deal with the filmmaker for the future sequel, according to Deadline. The Wrap claims that his involvement in a ninth instalment is limited to writing a treatment.

Johnson has tweeted a 'prayer' in relation to the news, using a clip from movie The Right Stuff to ask: "Dear Lord, please don't let me f**k up."

The director, whose previous films include sci-fi Looper and high-school noir Brick, told Digital Spy last year that he thought it unlikely he would be considered for Star Wars.

"I don't think I'm on those sorts of lists," he said. "On the one hand, it's Star Wars, it would be very hard to say no to.

"On the other hand, for me, I'm really enjoying just writing my own stuff, and right now that's what I'm doing... I don't think it's a problem that I'll have to deal with!"

Star Wars: Episode VII is currently being filmed by director JJ Abrams.

The project has hit difficulties recently, with Han Solo actor Harrison Ford suffering a broken leg while filming a scene involving the Millennium Falcon.

Other original stars returning for Episode VII include Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker, while Andy Serkis, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong'o and Gwendoline Christie will feature as well.

Directors for two Star Wars spinoff films have also recently been announced, with Godzilla's Gareth Edwards behind one and Chronicle's Josh Trank making another.

Star Wars: Episode VII will be released on December 18, 2015.