Rian Johnson has declared he “would feel blessed” to direct another Star Wars movie because he’s “an even bigger” fan of the franchise since taking charge of 2017 blockbuster Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Rian Johnson “would feel blessed” to direct another Star Wars movie.
The 52-year-old moviemaker took charge of 2017 blockbuster Star Wars: The Last Jedi, but former head of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy recently cast down on whether Rian would return to the franchise claiming he was “spooked” by the “online negativity” from fans. The comments prompted a denial from the director and he’s now insisted he would love to return because he’s an “even bigger” fan of the franchise since being given the chance to take part.
Speaking at the Variety Studio at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, Rian explained: “I had the time of my life doing it [The Last Jedi]. I am now an even bigger Star Wars fan than I was when going into it. I would feel blessed if that were to ever happen [again].”
He also spoke about Kennedy’s exit from Star Wars production company Lucasfilm, adding: “I love Kathy. I am excited now to see what she does next.
“As a Star Wars fan, the most exciting thing for me is always seeing when they bring in fresh voices and fresh filmmakers to come in and tell new stories in that world. That’s what I am looking forward to seeing more happen.”
Kennedy previously acknowledged the director’s packed slate, including his Knives Out franchise and upcoming projects, has been the primary obstacle preventing his Star Wars return.
She told Deadline: “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.
“That’s the other thing that happens here. After Shawn [Levy] and I started talking about Star Wars, Stranger Things kicks in and he was completely consumed for a while by that. That’s what happened with Rian.”
She then added: “And then I do believe he got spooked by the online negativity. I think Rian made one of the best Star Wars movies. He’s a brilliant filmmaker and he got spooked.
“This is the rough part. When people come into this space, I have every filmmaker and actors say to me: ‘What’s going to happen?’ They’re a little scared.”
However, the director later denied he had been shaken by the polarised fan response and denied it was the reason his plans for a standalone trilogy stalled. Taking to X, he wrote simply: “LOL zero spooked, sorry.”
Rian Johnson ‘would feel blessed’ to direct another Star Wars movie
