The task of finding a director for Star Wars: Episode VII has been a process of elimination. Ever since Disney announced in October that the highly-anticipated sequel is in development, numerous high-profile directors have taken themselves out of the running for this coveted job. Today, Guillermo del Toro revealed that he was offered the job, but turned it down.

"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. It was very flattering. 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 would like to see direct what will surely be the most anticipated movie of the 21st Century, the filmmaker revealed he wanted Brad Bird to take the helm.

"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."

Unfortunately, Brad Bird revealed in November that he is not making Star Wars: Episode VII. Michael Arndt is writing the screenplay, with Disney eyeing a 2015 release.