Rian Johnson has publicly refuted rumors suggesting a creative feud with J.J. Abrams during the making of the final two films in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, Johnson emphasized that the often-circulated narrative of tension between him and Abrams, particularly regarding key decisions like the fate of Supreme Leader Snoke, was misguided. Johnson and Abrams maintained communication throughout their respective projects on The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, collaborating behind the scenes despite portraying different visions for the franchise’s direction.
Collaboration and Creative Intentions Behind the Sequels
Johnson detailed the working relationship he had with Abrams, explaining that they spent time discussing the storylines and characters to ensure continuity and respect for the series. He described the process as cooperative rather than contentious, with the intent to advance the saga in a natural progression rather than to undo one another’s work. Johnson recalled a directive from Lucasfilm president Kathy Kennedy, who tasked him with crafting the equivalent of The Empire Strikes Back in the new trilogy—a responsibility he took very seriously and approached with deliberate care.
We communicated. We met and I spent days with [J.J. Abrams] and was able to get into his head and all the choices he had made. That having been said, I communicated and I went and made the movie. And he was in the middle of [‘The Force Awakens’]. Ultimately, I feel like the choices in it, none of them were born out of an intent to ‘undo’ anything. They were all borne out of the opposite intent of, how do I take this story that J.J. wrote, that I really loved, and these characters he created that I really loved, and take them to the next step? Kathy [Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm] said, We’re looking at someone to do the Empire [Strikes Back] of this series.
—Rian Johnson, director of The Last Jedi
Clarifying the Direction of the Trilogy and His Role
Contrary to speculation that Johnson was removed from directing the final installment following mixed reactions to The Last Jedi, Johnson explained his involvement was always intended to be limited to just one episode. He was never positioned to oversee the conclusion of the trilogy, and neither he nor Abrams sought to direct more than their assigned films. Lucasfilm made clear decisions about directing responsibilities, with Colin Trevorrow initially tapped for Episode IX before Abrams returned to complete the trilogy.
I think we must have been wrapping up. But also, to be clear, we had never put our names in the hat. We never were anticipating doing a third one. It was nothing we were pitching ourselves for, and [Kennedy] made the decision…No, absolutely not. The reality is, if I thought I was doing both of them, I would have ended it the same way. From the very start, the assignment was doing [film number] eight, and another director would do nine. I didn’t know it would be J.J. but the whole thing was being the middle leg of the race.
—Rian Johnson
Johnson’s Perspective on The Rise of Skywalker
Johnson shared a positive impression of The Rise of Skywalker, recognizing it as a continuation of the story rather than a contradiction of his own work on The Last Jedi. He emphasized that both directors approached their episodes as individual chapters, intended to evolve and deepen the saga’s narrative without negating previous films. Johnson expressed a genuine appreciation for the film as a creation made by his friends, offered from a place of fandom rather than critical analysis.
When I saw [‘The Rise of Skywalker’], I had a great time watching it. Again, this is all about point of view. I never approach this as, like, a territory I’m carving out for my thing. In my perspective, J.J. did the same thing with the third that I did with the second, which is not digging it up and undoing — just telling the story the way that was most compelling going forward. That means not just validating what came before, but recontextualizing it and evolving and changing as the story moves forward. I didn’t feel resentful in some way. But you’re talking about a movie made by my friends, with my friends in it. I sit down to watch a movie, and it’s a Star Wars movie. It’s all stuff I love. I’m not the one to come to for a hard-hitting critique. You can go to YouTube for that,
—Rian Johnson
The Future of Rian Johnson and Star Wars Projects
Despite being tasked by Lucasfilm to develop additional Star Wars movies, Johnson has indicated that those plans have not advanced, as he has prioritized his own original projects such as Knives Out and Poker Face. His creative focus appears to be shifting toward new, independent science fiction ventures rather than continuing with the Star Wars franchise. This suggests limited prospects for Johnson’s immediate return in a direct creative role within Lucasfilm’s universe.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Rian Johnson direct Star Wars episode 8?
A. After Looper, his third movie, came out, Rian Johnson met with Kathleen Kennedy, who was the new president at Lucasfilm. Following a second meeting, Johnson was given the chance to direct Episode VIII of the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
