Kathleen Kennedy: Rian Johnson Deterred from More Star Wars by Online Negativity
Rian Johnson, director of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” faced challenges regarding his relationship with the Star Wars franchise. According to Kathleen Kennedy, the outgoing president of Lucasfilm, online negativity significantly influenced his decision to step back from continuing his involvement with the series.
Kathleen Kennedy Comments on Rian Johnson’s Departure
In a recent interview with Deadline, Kennedy revealed that Johnson was deterred from pursuing his own Star Wars trilogy due to the backlash following “The Last Jedi.” This significant revelation stands in contrast to earlier narratives that attributed his absence primarily to his commitments to the “Knives Out” series.
Online Backlash and Filmmaker Concerns
- Johnson had initially been slated to create a new Star Wars trilogy.
- Intense online criticism of “The Last Jedi” contributed to his hesitations.
- Kennedy noted, “I think Rian made one of the best Star Wars movies. He’s a brilliant filmmaker and he got spooked.”
Kennedy also expressed that many filmmakers feel apprehensive about the potential online reception of their work. “Once he made the Netflix deal and went off to start doing the Knives Out films, that has occupied a huge amount of his time,” she explained.
The Future of Star Wars Projects
Initially, Lucasfilm planned for Johnson to write and direct his trilogy separate from the main Skywalker storyline. As time has progressed, these plans now seem unlikely to materialize.
- Johnson aimed to challenge fan expectations with “The Last Jedi,” rather than adhere to safe storytelling.
- He acknowledged the possible resistance to changes within the Star Wars community.
As Kennedy prepares to leave her role, she highlighted ongoing projects, including two Star Wars films currently in post-production. These films include:
| Film Title | Status | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Mandalorian and Grogu | Post-production | 2023 |
| Star Wars: Starfighter | In development | 2027 |
Furthermore, she mentioned unrealized concepts, such as a Ben Solo film, indicating that “anything’s a possibility if somebody’s willing to take a risk.” As the Star Wars universe continues evolving, the involvement of key figures like Johnson remains uncertain amid shifting landscapes of audience reception and industry priorities.
