Rian Johnson Bio
Rian Craig Johnson (born December 17, 1973) is an American filmmaker known for his neo-noir mystery film Brick and the science-fiction thriller Looper. He gained prominence for directing Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which grossed over $1 billion. Johnson has also created the Knives Out film series and the murder mystery series Poker Face, establishing himself as a notable figure in contemporary cinema.
Early Life and Background
Rian Johnson was born on December 17, 1973, in Silver Spring, Maryland. He spent his early childhood in Denver, Colorado, before moving to San Clemente, California, in sixth grade. Johnson attended San Clemente High School, where he graduated in 1992. His high school experience was significant as it became the primary filming location for his debut film, Brick. He later pursued higher education at the University of Southern California, graduating from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 1996.
Path to Hollywood
Johnson’s passion for filmmaking was ignited by Woody Allen’s 1977 film Annie Hall, which inspired him to become a director. His journey began with short films, including Evil Demon Golfball from Hell!!!, which was included as an easter egg on the Looper Blu-ray. His first notable work was the neo-noir film Brick, which he wrote and directed, showcasing his unique storytelling style and earning critical acclaim.
Rian Johnson Career
Early Career (1990–2005)
Johnson’s debut feature film, Brick, was released in 2005 and made for just under $500,000. The film received positive reviews and grossed nearly $4 million, establishing Johnson as a promising new voice in cinema. Following Brick, he directed The Brothers Bloom, a con-man story released in 2009, which received moderate critical acclaim. During this period, he also directed episodes of the acclaimed television series Breaking Bad, including the highly praised episode “Ozymandias,” which solidified his reputation as a talented director.
Breakthrough (2012–2017)
Johnson’s breakthrough came with the science-fiction thriller Looper, released in 2012. The film was a critical and commercial success, opening the Toronto International Film Festival and grossing over $160 million worldwide. His next major project was Star Wars: The Last Jedi, released in December 2017. The film was met with positive reviews and grossed over $1 billion, further cementing Johnson’s status in Hollywood.
Notable Works and Milestones
Johnson is also known for the Knives Out film series, which began with the release of the first film in November 2019. The film was a major success, grossing over $300 million and earning Johnson his first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. He continued to expand his creative horizons by launching the murder mystery series Poker Face, which premiered in January 2023.
Rian Johnson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Rian Johnson has received numerous award nominations, including Academy Award nominations for Best Original Screenplay for Knives Out and Best Adapted Screenplay for its sequel.
Rian Johnson Awards Won
Rian Johnson has won several awards, including the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Drama Series for his work on Breaking Bad.
Rian Johnson Family
Rian Johnson is married to film writer, historian, and podcaster Karina Longworth. The couple has been married since 2018 and met while Longworth was working as a film critic.
Personal Life
In addition to his filmmaking career, Johnson is also a folk singer and banjo player. He collaborates musically with his brother, Aaron Johnson, and cousin, Nathan Johnson, who has composed scores for several of Johnson’s films. Together, they form a folk duo called the Preserves.
