Yoda to take central role in Star Wars spin-off film?

Yoda is reportedly in line to be the focus of a stand-alone 'Star Wars' spin-off film, according to reports.

Movie gossip site Ain't It Cool News has heard that the diminutive Jedi master will be the first character to be spun-off from the main franchise in a series of separate films centring on the films' peripheral roles.

[Related story: Lucasfilm bins plans for 3D Star Wars prequels]

Writers Lawrence Kasdan, who penned – among many other classics – 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi', and Simon Kinberg are thought to be working on these projects, along with consulting on 'Star Wars VII'.

“At this stage specifics are sparse, but (Lucasfilm's) Kathleen Kennedy is putting together a Star Wars slate,” wrote the site's founder Harry Knowles. “I'm wildly curious for more details on the Yoda film - would this be a young or old Yoda tale?”

Previously director Joe Johnston, who worked on the first three films and is close to Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy, has talked about the potential for a spin-off based on bounty hunter Boba Fett.

Meanwhile, a rumour emerged late last year that 'Man of Steel' director Zack Snyder is keen to make a version of the classic 'Seven Samurai' in the 'Star Wars' universe, though his reps quickly calmed such talk.

It follows news that US network ABC is mulling whether to pursue the long-in-gestation 'Star Wars' TV series.