Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director, recently addressed ongoing speculation regarding his involvement with the 'Star Wars' universe. He publicly dismissed assertions made by Kathleen Kennedy, the former head of Lucasfilm, who suggested that negative fan reactions to his film 'The Last Jedi' had made him hesitant to undertake further 'Star Wars' directorial responsibilities. Johnson's statements aim to set the record straight, emphasizing that his career trajectory was shaped by other creative endeavors rather than apprehension.
The controversy stems from comments made by Kathleen Kennedy in an exit interview. She indicated that Johnson had been 'spooked' by the intense online criticism following the release of 'The Last Jedi' in 2017. This led to a widely circulated narrative that the fan response was a significant factor in his decision not to pursue the 'Star Wars' trilogy he was initially slated to develop. Kennedy had voiced concerns about the challenging environment filmmakers and actors face when entering the 'Star Wars' franchise, attributing Johnson's perceived withdrawal to this pressure.
However, Johnson himself has offered a different perspective. In a concise online response, he explicitly stated, 'Lol zero spooked, sorry,' directly contradicting Kennedy's interpretation. He further elaborated on this during a previous interview with Rolling Stone, explaining that while there were initial discussions and a conceptual phase for a new 'Star Wars' trilogy, the project never advanced significantly. The emergence of his highly successful 'Knives Out' franchise demanded his full attention and creative energy, leading him to prioritize those films.
Johnson reiterated his enthusiasm for the 'Star Wars' universe and expressed openness to future opportunities within the franchise, should they arise. Yet, he made it clear that his current focus and satisfaction lie with his ongoing projects, particularly the mystery genre that 'Knives Out' has established. This clarifies that his pivot away from 'Star Wars' was a strategic career choice driven by new creative avenues and commitments, rather than a retreat motivated by audience disapproval.
Ultimately, Rian Johnson's current endeavors with the 'Knives Out' series have been a considerable success, diverting his creative focus. His public remarks serve to reframe the narrative surrounding his 'Star Wars' departure, highlighting professional opportunities and creative passion as the determining factors, rather than any fear of fan sentiment.