Star Wars: The Last Jedi is considered a failure by some fans and critics due to its divisive and polarizing reception, which stemmed from director Rian Johnson’s perceived subversion of established characters and storylines. His portrayal of Luke Skywalker as a disillusioned hermit, the abrupt killing of Snoke, the dismissal of Rey’s parentage, and perceived plot issues like the Holdo Maneuver have led to a highly divided fan base.
Even though it’s been seven years since Johnson’s film came out, many fans are still angry and don’t want him anywhere near another Star Wars series of films.
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Back in 2017, a planned, but never produced, Star Wars trilogy of films was announced but the project is now officially dead, according to statements from both Rian Johnson and Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy. The cancellation occurred because Johnson became busy with other projects, most notably the Knives Out series.
The director has expressed openness to a return to the Star Wars universe despite the cancellation of the trilogy he was developing with Kennedy. He said “he would be thrilled to work on another Star Wars movie or series if the opportunity arises down the line.”
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While appearing at the Newport Beach Film Festival, (via SFFGazette.com), Johnson spoke candidly about whether the fan reaction to The Last Jedi was responsible for him not making new Star Wars films.
“No, not at all.” “In fact, it’s the reason that I wanted to. My overall experience with putting the movie out, and what you’re talking about with fan feedback. I mean, first of all, I’m a lifelong Star Wars fan. So I know the deal. I know that Star Wars fans are passionate about this stuff. We love the stuff we love, we hate the stuff we hate, and we fight about it. And that’s been happening since the original trilogy.”
He added:
“I was in college when the prequels came out. Are you kidding me? The prequel wars? We had a few. I mean, everybody did. And so, the notion that Star Wars has been this kind of Shangri-La, united fandom, and that [nothing] could then split that apart [is false],” Johnson added. “The reality is Star Wars has always been something that has meant different things to different people. And I think that’s part of the fun and the passion of it as fans, is arguing about it respectfully.”
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Johnson looks back on his Star Wars time and everything that has come since with positivity. He feels a deep sense of pride for the film he worked on and loves the fandom more than ever.
“I’ve talked to so many people over the years, since we made that movie, who have such deep connections to Star Wars and who have deep connections to that movie,” the filmmaker noted. “And so it’s been the most positive experience I’ve ever had with anything I’ve made, in terms of interacting with people who’ve seen it. I came out at the other end of it loving Star Wars fandom more than I did even going into it.”
The filmmaker also went on to say that “division within the fandom isn’t something entirely new”, and how the heated debates are simply part of what makes being a Star Wars fan so special.
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Whether you’re a fan of Johnson’s The Last Jedi or you consider it an abomination, it’s nice to see that he still has enthusiasm for the fandom. He’s a fan of Star Wars just like us. And you know what? That’s awesome!
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Anyhow, you can catch his entire interview shared by Star Wars Culture on X (formerly Twitter), of Johnson speaking at the Newport Beach Film Festival below. Check it out!
As always, May the Force be with you…
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