I’ve Wondered If The Last Jedi’s Rian Johnson Was Going To Direct The Rise Of Skywalker, So I’m Glad Someone Finally Asked Him To Set The Record Straight

by

The Star Wars films made a comeback in cinemas with the sequel trilogy and standalone movies, all of which can be streamed through a Disney+ subscription. Notably, Rian Johnson, known for his work, directed “The Last Jedi,” a film that defied fan predictions and sparked discussion for years. Previously, there were whispers about him returning for “The Rise of Skywalker.” Now, the creator of “Poker Face” has revealed the facts behind these speculations.

Before launching the Knives Out series (available on Netflix), Johnson made daring storytelling moves with The Last Jedi, which I believe have only improved over time. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he was asked about the timeline of discussions regarding a potential direction for Episode IX. He clarified this speculation, sharing that:

(Note: This paraphrase aims to preserve the original meaning while making it more accessible and natural in language and flow.)

It seems like you’re indicating that we concluded the previous task or phase, and clarifying that our names weren’t included in the selection process for the next one. Furthermore, there was no intention to proceed with a third one from our end, as it wasn’t something we were actively pursuing. Lastly, Kennedy decided on this matter.

We had finished what we were doing and weren’t part of the selection process for the next task. Moreover, we hadn’t planned or aimed for another one, and it was Kennedy who made the choice in this case.

It seems you now have a better understanding of the situation. Previously, it appeared as though Rian Johnson might have been advocating for directing a sequel to “The Last Jedi,” but this was not what transpired. Instead, Kathleen Kennedy chose a different direction for the conclusion of the sequel trilogy.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, especially when it comes to the legendary Star Wars saga, I’d say Disney+ is my go-to streaming platform. They offer an ad-supported plan starting at just $9.99 per month, which gives you access to all the intergalactic adventures that Star Wars has to offer. If you prefer an ad-free experience, you can upgrade for $15.99 a month. Or, if you’re ready to commit for a year, you can save 16% and pay $159.99 upfront, which is a great deal if you ask me! Check it out here: View Deal

During the same interview, they inquired whether the prospect of directing Episode IX influenced his work on The Last Jedi. In other words, did he rush to include additional plotlines and surprises once he learned he wouldn’t be continuing? However, he denied this, instead explaining:

Of course not, definitely not. To clarify, if I had been working on both films simultaneously, they would have turned out similarly. However, from the beginning, the plan was to produce film number eight first, and another director would handle number nine. I wasn’t aware it would be J.J., but the situation was like running the middle leg of a relay race.

Instead of splitting the story into two separate films, The Last Jedi focused on a self-contained narrative that served as the second chapter of a larger trilogy. Instead of hinting at future Star Wars movies, Johnson concluded several ongoing storylines, although some conclusions were unexpected. For instance, Snoke was abruptly eliminated, Rey’s identity was temporarily unveiled as ‘no one’, and Luke Skywalker reconnected with the Force following his solitary existence.

Ever since “The Last Jedi” graced our screens years ago, whispers have circulated about Rian Johnson embarking on a trilogy of new “Star Wars” movies. Yet, to this day, I haven’t seen him revisit that distant galaxy. Regrettably, there seems to be no forward momentum on that front, but here’s hoping the stars align and I get to witness his return someday.

You can currently stream “The Last Jedi” and the entire “Star Wars” series on Disney+. However, George Lucas’ beloved universe is not anticipated to reappear in theaters until Daisy Ridley’s Rey film is released.

Read More

2025-08-04 01:08