Rian Johnson Unfazed by Hostile ‘Star Wars’ Fan Reactions
Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director of “The Last Jedi,” recently addressed speculation regarding his absence from the “Star Wars” franchise following the film’s release. In a post on X, Johnson adamantly refuted claims made by former Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy that he was frightened by online backlash from fans. He stated, “Lol zero spooked, sorry.”
Background on ‘The Last Jedi’ and Fan Reaction
Released in 2017, “The Last Jedi” generated significant discussion and controversy within the “Star Wars” community. Many fans voiced mixed reactions, leading to debates about its impact on the franchise.
Plans for a New Trilogy
Following “The Last Jedi,” Johnson was slated to develop a new trilogy within the “Star Wars” universe. However, this project never progressed substantially. Johnson shifted his attention to creating the successful “Knives Out” franchise, which took up a considerable amount of his time.
- Released: December 15, 2017
- Intended new trilogy: Unstarted
- Focus shift: “Knives Out” franchise
Kathleen Kennedy’s Comments
In a recent interview with Deadline, Kennedy shared insights into why Johnson never returned to “Star Wars.” While she acknowledged that the “Knives Out” series consumed much of his schedule, she suggested that the reactions to “The Last Jedi” played a role in his decision not to continue. She stated, “I do believe he got spooked by the online negativity.”
Johnson’s Perspective
When discussing the potential trilogy with Rolling Stone, Johnson clarified that the project remained largely conceptual. He noted, “Before any real progress could be made, ‘Knives Out’ happened.” Johnson emphasized that while he enjoyed collaborating with Kennedy, his focus had shifted entirely to his new projects.
- Statements: “Nothing really happened with it.”
- Future interest: “I would be thrilled” to return to ‘Star Wars.’
Though Johnson expressed his contentment with his current endeavors, he remains open to future opportunities within the “Star Wars” franchise. As it stands, he is focusing on his own creative works, particularly in the murder mystery genre.
