A top choice among fans since word of Star Wars: Episode VII first broke, director Brad Bird has, today, confirmed that he won't be involved in the production of the 2015 release. Instead, he plans to move forward with another project at Walt Disney Pictures, a science fiction film currently being called 1952.

Bird, who has directed films like The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, Ratatouille and Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, finally broke his silence on Twitter this evening with the following tweets:

“@rsavenell: You are on people's lists as top choice for Star Wars, yet haven't confirmed. Please end this tease!”Not doing Star Wars.

— Brad Bird (@BradBirdA113) November 18, 2012

“@clarkgoble: tell me your next one is the new Star Wars!”Nope. A science fiction film. Not Star Wars.

— Brad Bird (@BradBirdA113) November 18, 2012

“@joesmonster: @wearebuffaloz Is it Star Wars Episode VII?Because I really hope it's Star Wars Episode VII...”It's not Episode VII.

— Brad Bird (@BradBirdA113) November 18, 2012

“@geoffbreedwell: You're not doing EP7? Why not? You're perfect for it!”Thanks. But the science fiction film I AM doing is gonna be cool.

— Brad Bird (@BradBirdA113) November 18, 2012

Details are few on the plot of 1952, but it's rumored to focus on a man who makes contact with extraterrestrial life and early word suggests that George Clooney could play the lead.

Star Wars: Episode VII, meanwhile, will move forward with a screenplay by Michael Arndt and a director expected to be named soon. The film is planned for a 2015 release and you can check back for more details as they become available.

(Photo Credit: PNP / WENN.com)