Movies

Knives Out

BBG News

The director, Rian Johnson, has at last shared his thoughts on the previously unseen Star Wars trilogy he was initially intended to oversee following the release of Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi.

And his explanation? He just really, really got into directing mysteries…

In a recent chat with The Independent, Johnson playfully dismissed the slow development of the Star Wars films that Lucasfilm had earlier declared would be his creative venture. This announcement, made in 2017 on the brink of The Last Jedi’s release, hinted at a fresh trilogy set in a distant galaxy—separate from the Skywalker saga and directed by Johnson himself.

Currently, several years have passed since then, but without a script, actors, set schedule, or any formal announcement of its end, Johnson explains that the primary factor hindering its production is straightforward: his 2019 movie “Knives Out.

When asked about his trilogy, Rian Johnson responded enthusiastically: ‘I’ve been delving into the world of murder mysteries, but I have other projects on my mind. However, it’s not completely off the table for the future. If given another chance in the Star Wars universe, I would be absolutely thrilled.’

Sure, Rian. And Jar Jar was a Sith Lord…

To put it plainly, it wasn’t just Johnson being occupied with crafting humorous lines for Benoit Blanc in a film released six years ago that led to him leaving Star Wars. Instead, his departure might have been due to the fact that The Last Jedi left the fanbase deeply divided, much like a lightsaber cutting through a tauntaun.

In some critical communities, his film was lauded for flipping conventions, but among the broader Star Wars audience, it’s often seen as the most contentious and, in many cases, damaging addition to the series. The character changes implemented by Johnson were not just debated—they were explosive. For instance, he turned Luke Skywalker into a grumpy recluse who farms alien sea cows, discarded Snoke without proper explanation, and made Poe a headstrong rule-breaker. These decisions sparked intense controversy.

The response to the fan was immediate, forceful, and long-lasting. Social media platforms were filled with efforts to remake the movie, calls for it to be removed from the series’ canon, and an ongoing dislike that persists even today, seven years later. Johnson’s reputation took a hit among many devoted followers of the franchise. However, this wouldn’t be apparent if you were to listen to him recount it.

He expressed to The Independent that he’s greatly enjoyed and appreciated his interactions with the fans throughout the process, stating it further fueled his affection for Star Wars. However, some fans may recall that The Last Jedi significantly impacted the momentum of the sequel trilogy in a negative way.

Johnson himself likened the heated fan debates about “The Last Jedi” to actual world wars – in a literal sense. He stated, “That [the prequels] was World War I, and this [The Last Jedi] was World War II.” This implies that Disney’s attempts to manage the situation (damage control) could be seen as the Marshall Plan.

The intrigue surrounding Lucasfilm’s handling of the situation is further intensified, as Johnson’s Star Wars trilogy has neither been officially terminated nor mentioned in any recent plans. Not at Celebration, not at D23, not during investor meetings. It seems to have vanished without a trace, much like a disappointing Tinder date.

According to Kathleen Kennedy, they’ve been keeping themselves busy, as his schedule seems packed with cases of southern-style detective work and negotiations with Netflix.

Currently, we’re in a situation where the individual who ignited the core narrative of the Skywalker saga nonchalantly hinted at potentially reappearing in the Star Wars universe whenever he feels like it. It seems as though the entire fandom eagerly anticipates his return with welcoming arms.

It’s quite remarkable, isn’t it? Almost as if only Rian Johnson could set fire to the house and then express astonishment when nobody asks him over for supper again.

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2025-05-23 16:01

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