Rian Johnson opens up about The Last Jedi backlash

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Recently, in an interview with Rolling Stone, the creative force behind Knives Out and the director of The Last Jedi, Rian Johnson, discussed the intense criticism he faced from fans when he re-entered the Star Wars universe in 2017.

At present, he acknowledged, it’s quite a complex sequence of responses. It’s never pleasant to face criticism online, and it’s particularly disheartening when people attack something you’ve poured your heart and soul into.

Regardless of the harsh criticism, Johnson conceded that the Star Wars fanbase, including himself, has consistently shown an intense passion, at times bordering on being overpowering.

In his conversation with the media, he mentioned that since he’s always been a devotee of “Star Wars”, this background allowed him to understand it better and find comfort in various aspects of it.

As a college student, I was an active member of what I now refer to as the “Prequel Hate Central” – a close-knit circle of us who were far from silent in our criticism towards George Lucas’s Star Wars prequels, Episodes I-III. In hindsight, I freely admit that I was not exempt from the intense wave of fandom response surrounding the Star Wars cycle.

Over time, much like many other fans, his initial views changed. Nowadays, the prequels and their cast members are experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity. Hayden Christensen, who was once a frequent target of criticism, reprised his role as Darth Vader in both Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka, receiving widespread acclaim from fans.

From large gatherings honoring traditions to internet homages, Hayden has undergone a sort of personal rehabilitation journey. His current fame signifies how time and nostalgia can transform even the most contentious events within the Star Wars universe.

Johnson pulled prequels and sequels into the same emotional loop:

He noted that the prequels are now accepted. He’s not suggesting this flippantly as if things will change in 20 years. Instead, he believes that the ongoing tension and dislike for what appears new is simply a part of being a Star Wars enthusiast.

In his perspective, the way JJ Abrams handled The Rise of Skywalker mirrored his own experience with The Last Jedi, not as a turnaround, but as a logical adjustment in its progression.

He clarified that J.J. followed a similar approach with the third installment as he did with the second one, and he highly appreciated how Abrams developed the storyline in a way that seemed incredibly engaging for future developments.

By the close of the day, Rian Johnson’s narrative resonates with numerous fans. He has faced both praise and criticism, yet remains devoted to Star Wars just as ardently. The discourse surrounding his work serves as a testament to the fact that Star Wars continues to hold significant importance for us all.

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2025-07-19 22:11