Rian Johnson, known for directing Star Wars: The Last Jedi, revealed he never developed detailed outlines for the sequel trilogy he was initially slated to create. Speaking recently, Johnson shared that although the project was discussed conceptually, no concrete scripts or treatments were ever completed. After the divisive reception of The Last Jedi, Johnson shifted his focus to other projects like the Knives Out film series and the Peacock mystery series Poker Face, leaving his Star Wars trilogy indefinitely on hold.
Johnson expressed continued enthusiasm for the Star Wars universe despite the hiatus, mentioning a willingness to return if the opportunity arises.
“It was all very conceptual. There was never any outline or treatment or anything…Nothing really happened with it. We had a great time working together, and they said, ‘Let’s keep doing it.’ I said, ‘Great!’ I would kick ideas around with Kathy. 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,”
he stated.
The Reason Behind Supreme Leader Snoke’s Sudden Death
Johnson also addressed the unexpected demise of Supreme Leader Snoke, a character introduced by J.J. Abrams in The Force Awakens as a major antagonist. He explained that Snoke’s death was a deliberate choice rooted in the desire to elevate Kylo Ren’s character. Johnson was impressed by Adam Driver’s portrayal and the complex dynamic between Kylo and Rey, leading him to conclude that building the story around Kylo made the most dramatic sense.
“That was, in reading J.J.’s script, and watching the dailies, and seeing the power of Adam Driver’s character. The interrogation scene in the first movie, between Rey and Kylo, was so incredibly powerful. Seeing this complicated villain that’s been created, I was just so compelled by that. This is all a matter of perspective and phrasing, but to me, I didn’t easily dispense with Snoke. I took great pains to use him in the most dramatically impactful way I could, which was to then take Kylo’s character to the next level and set him up as well as I possibly could. I guess it all comes down to your point of view. I thought, This is such a compelling and complicated villain. This is this is who it makes sense going forward to build around,”
Johnson explained.
Current and Future Star Wars Projects
Following Kylo Ren’s story arc ending, anticipation builds around upcoming projects expanding the Star Wars universe. The upcoming film Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, is expected to explore new narratives within the galaxy far, far away. Additionally, Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling, will likely connect to the sequel trilogy characters, potentially expanding the timeline further.
Fans hope that future villains introduced will have deeper backstories and stronger impacts than some earlier characters like Snoke or the underdeveloped Knights of Ren. As the Star Wars franchise moves forward, these new installments could reshape the narrative landscape and offer fresh directions for its complex characters and stories.
Rian Johnson’s Upcoming Ventures
Meanwhile, Rian Johnson is focused on new projects outside of Star Wars. His next film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, is set to premiere at the BFI London Film Festival before debuting on Netflix in December, continuing his successful Knives Out franchise. Johnson’s current work suggests a continued passion for intricate storytelling, even as his future involvement with Star Wars remains open-ended.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Rian Johnson direct Star Wars episode 8?
A. After Rian Johnson made his third movie, Looper, he had a meeting with Kathleen Kennedy, who was the new president of Lucasfilm. In a later meeting, Johnson was asked to direct Episode VIII of the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
