What’s ‘The Worst Sin’ To Commit With Star Wars? Rian Johnson Made A Good Point

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The future of Star Wars films and series looks a little empty compared to what many expected, especially after the release of The Force Awakens ten years ago, or even when Disney+ first launched its Star Wars TV shows. Currently, only two projects have finished filming: Jon Favreau’s Mandalorian & Grogu and Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter. Other projects are still being developed, and it’s disappointing that Rian Johnson isn’t involved as a director.

Rian Johnson is the director known for the divisive 2017 film The Last Jedi. He originally intended to create a trilogy of Star Wars films, though those plans were later scaled back. While promoting his newest mystery, Wake Up Dead Man (featuring Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc), Johnson spoke with Polygon about his belief that overly simple storytelling is a major mistake in Star Wars. He also explained that, like The Last Jedi, his latest film deliberately questions established beliefs and ideologies.

I wasn’t necessarily scared of the possibility, but I was anticipating it. As a lifelong Star Wars fan, I’m used to seeing conflict and disagreement within the fandom. I understand there’s often pushback when something new challenges the established order. However, I believe the biggest mistake you can make is to treat those challenges too gently. The worst thing to do is shy away from anything that might disrupt the status quo.

Many fans consider Rogue One to be one of the best Star Wars projects ever made. It successfully combined familiar elements with a fresh, original story. This success led to the creation of Andor, another critically acclaimed series that, like Rogue One, focused on telling a standalone story separate from the main Skywalker family saga.

Although he isn’t specifically criticizing The Rise of Skywalker, the issues he raises definitely apply to that film. The Rise of Skywalker largely ignored the story developments and fresh ideas introduced in The Last Jedi, treating them as optional instead of established facts. This led to a predictable plot that felt overly reliant on past events.

I have to say, Johnson makes a really good point. This franchise has always surprised us, and it’s never been afraid to stir up some controversy. It’s part of what makes it so interesting – you genuinely don’t know what to expect, and people are always talking about it.

Every Star Wars film since The Empire Strikes Back has sparked strong reactions – initially dividing fans with controversial choices, but often leading to eventual appreciation and acceptance. These movies weren’t afraid to take risks and get people talking, even if it meant some heated debates along the way.

When The Force Awakens killed off Han Solo, many fans reacted with anger, similar to the upset caused by the cliffhanger ending of The Empire Strikes Back where Han was frozen in carbonite. However, looking back, that earlier ending is now seen as a clever storytelling choice. In contrast, Han’s death in Episode VII felt less like a bold creative decision and more like Harrison Ford’s choice to leave the role.

At first, The Mandalorian felt like a fresh, independent story. However, it soon started relying heavily on established Star Wars characters and plotlines, bringing in familiar faces like a younger Luke Skywalker and Boba Fett. It seems likely that Jon Favreau’s upcoming film will continue this trend, for better or worse. That’s why Starfighter feels like our best hope for seeing something truly original within the Star Wars universe – especially on the big screen, as Star Wars Visions consistently delivers unexpected and creative content.

Many fans, including me, would love to see Rian Johnson direct another Star Wars film. However, I’d be even more excited if he made a new Muppets movie – and he’s definitely interested in the idea! It makes me wonder if we should just consider Yoda a Muppet already. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see Frank Oz voice both Yoda and Fozzie Bear in the same movie?

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2025-12-15 01:09