Gary Whitta, the screenwriter behind The Book of Eli and After Earth, has finished his work on the standalone Star Wars film. The Hollywood Reporter has the news, bringing word that Gareth Edwards remains attached to direct the December 16, 2016 release.

“Gary has been a wonderful, inspired contributor and I enjoyed working with him tremendously,” Edwards tells the outlet. “I’m so grateful for all of his contributions. “

“The year I spent working with Lucasfilm on this Star Wars film has been by far the most rewarding period of my entire career,” adds Whitta. “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.”

Rumored to be a heist film involving the theft of the Death Star plans, the film should announce a new writer shortly. Whitta’s involvement is still major, however, with the scribe having just Tweeted the following notes regarding his departure:

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