Josh Trank speaks to 'Star Wars' departure

The "Chronicle" and "Fantastic Four" director emphasizes his desire to "do something original."

Leaving the 2018 "Star Wars" spin-off project was "the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my life," Trank said of his May 2015 departure after 10 months on board.

Trank, along with "Fantastic Four" producer Simon Kinberg, quashed rumors that his departure had anything to do with rumors that surfaced in its wake -- trouble on the Marvel superhero film, or between the two of them, in particular.

"I want to do something original after this because I've been living under public scrutiny, as you've seen, for the last four years of my life," he told the Los Angeles Times, referring to his experiences with "Fantastic Four."

"I want to do something that's below the radar."

Trank's second feature, "Fantastic Four," is expected the week of August 7. Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell and Toby Kebbell star.