Rian Johnson, director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, has suggested that his involvement with the Star Wars franchise might not be over, despite no immediate plans. While the director’s originally announced trilogy has not materialized nearly a decade after The Last Jedi premiered, Johnson remains open to revisiting the galaxy far, far away in the future, indicating a hopeful possibility for fans awaiting his return.
Background on the Unfulfilled Star Wars Trilogy
Before the release of Episode 8, it was announced that Johnson would helm a new Star Wars trilogy, separate from the main saga. However, since The Last Jedi’s debut nine years ago, there have been no developments or official news regarding this trilogy’s progress. Johnson recently told Empire magazine,
“That cog will be turning the rest of my life. I love Star Wars,”
adding,
“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.”
Challenges and Current Projects Affecting Star Wars Plans
Earlier in the year, Johnson appeared to acknowledge that the trilogy was unlikely to move forward. He explained, “Nothing really happened with it,” and reflected,
“We had a great time working together, and they said, ‘Let’s keep doing it.’ I said, ‘Great!’ I would kick ideas around with [Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy]. The short version is Knives Out happened. I went off and made Knives Out, and was off to the races, busy making murder mysteries.”
Johnson’s focus has since been on the Knives Out series, with his next film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, scheduled for release this winter. The movie stars Josh O’Connor alongside Daniel Craig, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Glenn Close, and Andrew Scott, and will debut on Netflix on December 12 following a limited theatrical release beginning November 26.
Ongoing Interest in Star Wars Stories from Other Creators
Rumors persist of other Star Wars projects in development, including Steven Soderbergh’s possible work on a Ben Solo-focused film, which he reportedly revisited as recently as late 2024. Adam Driver, who portrayed Ben Solo, nearly starred in a sequel exploring his character’s fate, though Disney reportedly did not find a compelling way to continue his story. Meanwhile, Lucasfilm continues to expand the Star Wars universe with new movies and TV shows in various stages of production.
Looking Ahead: The Potential Impact of Johnson’s Return
Rian Johnson’s openness about returning keeps anticipation alive among Star Wars enthusiasts, as his unique vision brought fresh perspectives to the saga’s storyline. While his immediate priorities lie with the Knives Out franchise, his willingness to revisit Star Wars suggests that opportunities could arise if timing and creative direction align. This possibility maintains excitement for what future Star Wars installments might hold, especially with continued expansions from Lucasfilm and Disney’s ongoing support.
