Filmmaker Rian Johnson recently opened up about his latest venture during the Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Story press tour with Empire. While details remain scarce due to the project’s early stage, Johnson revealed that his next film will blend the paranoia-driven style of 1970s thrillers with subtle science fiction elements. This combination positions it as a unique addition to his body of work and piques interest among genre fans.
Inspiration from Classic Conspiracy Dramas
The thriller component Johnson references shares DNA with iconic ’70s films like 3 Days of the Condor, The Parallax View, and The Conversation. These movies typically explore themes of individuals caught amid shadowy conspiracies and pervasive distrust. Johnson’s mention of those titles underscores a narrative focus on suspense and intrigue. Similar contemporary films, such as Enemy of the State and Rebel Ridge, as well as the espionage tones in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, reflect how the paranoid thriller subgenre remains relevant. Johnson’s known interest in melding complex storytelling with genre elements suggests his new project will honor this tradition while adding his distinctive touch.
Incorporating Sci-Fi Roots from Past Ideas
Johnson disclosed in a prior Rolling Stone interview that this new project resurfaces a science fiction concept he first developed around the time of Looper. He described his earlier attempt as an ambitious, high-concept idea that ultimately lacked cohesion.
The most exciting thing right now is this idea I have in my head for the next thing I’m gonna make, and I think ultimately, that’s all you can do, is just kind of follow your nose,
Johnson explained.
If I had to define it genre-wise, I’d say it harkens back to the ’70s paranoid thrillers. It’s got a light sci-fi element to it.
– Rian Johnson, Director
Right after I made Looper, I spent several years trying to crack this sci-fi idea that I had,
he added.
Ultimately could not make it work. I never really got those gears I described to connect. So it just felt like a high concept that didn’t have any innards. But elements of that ended up working their way into the thing that I’m developing next. So, everything comes around,
– Rian Johnson, Director
Despite shedding some of the earlier project’s complexities, Johnson’s new film remains rooted in sci-fi while incorporating suspenseful, paranoid themes.
Future Direction and Relationship with Star Wars
Johnson also addressed his future involvement with the Star Wars franchise, hinting that he’s unlikely to return anytime soon. Though his affection for the universe remains deep, Johnson suggests his focus is shifting to original works outside of that established world.
That cog will be turning the rest of my life. I love Star Wars,
he shared.
And if some day it makes sense to come back to it, for both of us, it would be the most wonderful thing in the world.
– Rian Johnson, Director
His decision places creative energy toward unique storytelling, which may bring fresh contributions to the sci-fi thriller genre and inspire fans awaiting new narratives from his vision.
The Significance of Johnson’s Emerging Film
With a track record of innovative filmmaking, especially in science fiction and mystery, Rian Johnson’s forthcoming film presents an exciting blend of suspense and speculative elements. By drawing influence from classic 1970s paranoid thrillers and integrating his sci-fi background, this project might not only revive a compelling cinematic style but also push genre boundaries. The optimism surrounding the film reflects an appetite for stories capturing both unease and intellectual curiosity in today’s cultural climate.
