This was interesting news when I just read it before coming here. I was almost expecting to see JJ come back at least once more. I really enjoyed Looper so I'm interested to see Johnson's take on VIII and IX.

So not only is Rian Johnson going to direct them, he's going to write them as well, but has it been stated anywhere yet if Lawrence Kasdan will return and assist with the writing duties, just as he's currently assisting JJ? I really hope so.

I think it's a very good idea though that they've already determined who is going to direct the next installments of Star Wars. This way he is in the 'loop' (pun intended) and can be made aware of where VII is now (the plot), what's been planned for the future etc, and then can already start his writing/planning.