As we all know, one of the biggest news stories of 2012 was that Disney bought Star Wars franchise, there will be three more sequels hitting theaters in the coming years. It’s still unsure who will direct, but news surfaced today that one of our favorite directors was offered – and passed on – the opportunity.

Director, producer, and writer Guillermo Del Toro (Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth) was offered to direct the next three installments of the Star Wars franchise. Del Toro told The Playlist, “We got one phone call to my agent saying, ‘Is Guillermo interested?’ And basically I have so much stuff already of my own, and I’m pursuing stuff that I’m generating already…” Although he ended up turning it down, he was happy he was asked: “It was very flattering,” he said, adding: “It was just a phone call, it didn’t go past that, it was very nice to be asked, but believe it or not, I’m busy enough.”

When asked who he personally thought should direct the franchise, Del Toro stated, “I think the fans deserve somebody that is just going to immerse themselves completely. As a geek, I would have loved to see Brad Bird take it.” Bird helmed The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, all recieving overall good reviews. But, unfortunately, Bird has already stated he won’t be directing Star Wars due to restraining time commitments with his upcoming George Clooney film, 1952.

We already know that Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3, Catching Fire) is set to write the script for Episode VII, but Disney is still in the long search of a director.

Would you have liked to see Del Toro direct? Who else do you think should direct Episode VII? Leave us your thoughts below!