LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

The mystery behind director Zack Snyder’s reported involvment in a new “Star Wars” project is taking on a Sith-like secrecy!

Vulture first reported that the “300” and “Watchmen” director was developing a new “Star Wars” movie that was loosely based on Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 classic “Seven Samurai” (a favorite of George Lucas), and would be a parallel, stand-alone film with the upcoming planned trilogy.

But then his rep told The Hollywood Reporter otherwise.

“While he is super-flattered because he is a huge fan, Zack is not involved in any way with the new ‘Star Wars.’ He is currently in post on his two films, ‘Man of Steel’ and ‘300: Battle of Artemisia,’” the director’s rep said in a statement to THR.

Vulture was quick to fire back, sticking with their initial report.

“Vulture stands by its story. This reporter heard through a source very familiar with the situation that Snyder recently flew up to Marin County to meet with Lucasfilm execs about the project. When subsequently reached by Vulture, Snyder’s spokesperson would only repeat that he ‘is’ not currently involved,” the site said in an update.

Adding, “One should note the possible political ramifications here of our original story break: Snyder’s last Warner Bros. film, ‘Sucker Punch,’ lost millions for the studio, and execs there could have become distressed at the idea of him getting involved with another studio’s franchise when they have so much at stake with their upcoming ‘Man of Steel’ and want him available for an immediate sequel.”

The next movie in the franchise (unrelated to the reported Snyder project), “Star Wars: Episode VII,” is slated for theatrical release in 2015.

-- Jesse Spero

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