Star Warsdirector Rian Johnson has finally given an update about returning to the franchise after years of conflicting reports on the matter. Concerning theranking ofStar Warsmovies, it tends to be a common consensus thatStar Wars: The Last Jedicomes in somewhere near the bottom, at least among fans. Johnson directed the 2017 movie to critical acclaim, yet theStar Warsfanbase was fractured in a way the franchise had not seen since the controversial release of George Lucas' prequel trilogy. As a result, Johnson’s plans to directupcomingStar Warsmoviesstalled.
That said, Johnson was recently interviewed byThe Independentfor his TV showPoker Face, where the filmmaker was asked about a return to a galaxy far, far away. Johnson did not give much away, insisting that his previously announced trilogy of films did not happen due toKnives Out,its two sequels, andPoker Face. Nonetheless, Johnson at least addressed how he would feel if he could once again helm aStar Warsmovie:
“I’m focused on making other stuff. But that wouldn’t rule out it happening down the line.If I get back in the Star Wars universe someday, I’d be the happiest person.”
The comment is bittersweet; on the one hand, it’s clear that the controversy surroundingStar Wars: The Last Jedihas not dissuaded him from one day coming back to the franchise. At the same time, it doesn’t seem to be anything he expects movement on anytime soon.
What Rian Johnson’s Hope For Star Wars Means For The Franchise
The Filmmaker May Come Back
Regarding what Johnson’s comments mean forStar Wars, the answer is somewhat simple: he could come back. Given the sheer controversy that Johnson and many others at Lucasfilm faced overStar Wars: The Last Jedi, no one could blame the writer-director for wanting to stay away from the franchise forever. As proven by his comments, though, there is always the possibility.
Johnson reiterates his love for the franchise in the aforementioned interview, citing his experience with the prequels upon their release. This love is what would render the possibility of coming back toStar Warsa positive for Johnson, despite his current focus on other projects. To sum up, Johnson’s comments mean a lot for the franchise by opening up doors that were once thought closed.
Rian Johnson’s Trilogy Could Still Happen & His Star Wars Fate Could Hold Other Possibilities
The Avenues Are Numerous For Johnson’s Return
With Johnson’s comments in mind, it is worth exploring the conflicting reports that have been aimed at the filmmaker over the years. Since 2017’sThe Last Jedi, many have claimed that Johnson’s trilogy, announced over a month beforeEpisode VIII’s release, has been canceled. That said, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has endlessly stated that she would like Johnson’s trilogy to happen, but that he was busy focusing on theKnives Outfranchise, among other things.
With these comments from Kennedy and the recent ones from Johnson in mind, the trilogy is still possible. If returning toStar Warswould truly make Johnson happy, there is no reason why he could not return to craft the films he was announced to be working on almost a decade ago. Beyond that, though,Star Warshas expanded since 2017. Johnson has an impressive TV resume, which could see him work as a writer or director on anupcomingStar WarsTV show. Whatever avenue Johnson does or does not choose, he would at least feel happy working in another galaxy once more.
