Shortly before the much-anticipated release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, it was officially announced that Rian Johnson would take on the monumental task of writing and directing a brand new trilogy, distinctly separate from the beloved Skywalker Saga. Depending on your perspective regarding The Last Jedi, this announcement sparked either fervent excitement or skepticism among fans. Fast forward eight years, and the silence surrounding this potential trilogy has been deafening, leaving many fans wondering about its status and future.
In a candid discussion with Rolling Stone, Johnson shared that “nothing really happened” concerning the Star Wars trilogy project. He recounted, “We had a great time working together, and they said, ‘Let’s keep doing it.’ I said, ‘Great!’” Johnson elaborated, noting, “I would kick ideas around with Kathy. The short version is Knives Out happened. I went off and made Knives Out, and was off to the races, busy making murder mysteries. It’s the sort of thing if, down the line, there’s an opportunity to do it, or do something else in Star Wars, I would be thrilled. But right now I’m just doing my own stuff, and pretty happy.”
When questioned about whether he had a detailed plan for the trilogy mapped out, Johnson candidly replied, “It was all very conceptual. I made Knives Out fairly quickly after. There was never any outline or treatment or anything.” This statement underscores the fluidity of creative processes in Hollywood, especially when it comes to large-scale franchises like Star Wars.
Johnson further reflected on the significant backlash that The Last Jedi experienced from various segments of the Star Wars fanbase. Although it was challenging for him to witness harsh criticisms directed at his work, he recalled how he and his friends would often engage in similar discussions about the Prequels.
“In the moment, it’s a complicated chain of reactions to it. It never feels good to have anybody coming after you on the Internet, and especially coming after you saying things that I think I very much do not agree with about a thing I made and put a lot of heart and soul into. But at the same time, having grown up a Star Wars fan ultimately let me contextualize it and feel at peace with it in many different ways,” he explained. “Just remembering, going back on one level to arguing on the playground about Star Wars as a kid. And I was in college when the Prequels came out. My friends and I were Prequel Hate Central. Everyone was ruthless at the time. And of course now the Prequels are embraced. I’m not saying that as a facile, “Oh, things will flip around in 20 years, you’ll see!” It’s more that this push and pull, and this hatred to stuff that seems new, this is all part of being a Star Wars fan. Culture-war garbage aside, I think that essential part of it is a healthy part.”
Looking ahead, Johnson’s upcoming film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, is set to make its debut on December 12, promising another captivating chapter in his cinematic journey.
