Rian Johnson, once hailed as the visionary who would steer Star Wars into uncharted territory, watched his trilogy plans dissolve like stardust. The director of Looper and the divisive The Last Jedi, Johnson now finds himself on the periphery, gazing at a galaxy far, far away that could have been his. But instead of dwelling on the past, Johnson recently shared his vision for the franchise’s future, naming the filmmakers he believes should helm the saga.
“As a Star Wars fan, the most exciting thing for me is always seeing when they bring in fresh voices and fresh filmmakers to come in and tell new stories in that world,” Johnson told Variety. “That’s what I am anticipating to see more happen.”
Johnson’s statement comes amidst leadership changes at Lucasfilm, where Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan are stepping into expanded roles. “I love Kathy. I am excited now to see what she does next,” he said, acknowledging Kennedy’s legacy.
The Paradox of Familiar Faces in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Think about your favorite band releasing the same album over and over. You might appreciate the consistency, but eventually, you crave something new. Ironically, most of the upcoming Star Wars projects seem to contradict Johnson’s call for fresh perspectives. Jon Favreau and Shawn Levy, both accomplished directors, are set to direct future installments. Names like Simon Kinberg and Taika Waititi, also well-established, have been floated as potential writers. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, an Oscar winner, could inject a “fresh voice” with her Rey movie, but its fate remains uncertain. It feels like LucasFilm might be stuck in carbonite.
Will Taika Waititi Direct a Star Wars Movie?
While Waititi’s involvement remains speculative, the New Zealand director’s quirky style—evident in films like Jojo Rabbit and Thor: Ragnarok—could bring a distinctive flavor to Star Wars. His comedic sensibilities might either rejuvenate the franchise or clash with its established tone, depending on your point of view. But whether Waititi or Kinberg gets the director’s chair, are either truly “fresh voices”?
With two movies slated for release in the next two years, Filoni and Brennan have some breathing room before solidifying the long-term vision for Star Wars. This pause allows them to scout for emerging talent and potentially usher in the “fresh filmmakers” Johnson champions.
Of course, Johnson has repeatedly expressed his willingness to return to the franchise. “I had the time of my life [making The Last Jedi],” he said. “I am now an even bigger Star Wars fan than I was when going into it. I would feel blessed if that were to ever happen [again].”
What is Rian Johnson Doing Now?
Despite the swirling Star Wars discourse, Rian Johnson hasn’t been idle. He’s been busy with the Knives Out franchise, with a third installment, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, on the way to Netflix. These projects showcase Johnson’s talent for intricate mysteries and ensemble casts, solidifying his reputation outside the realm of space operas. One wonders if his future success gives him more or less leverage with LucasFilm…
What Was the Budget for *The Last Jedi*?
Star Wars: The Last Jedi carried a hefty production budget of approximately $317 million (€294.91 million). Marketing and distribution costs likely added tens of millions more to the total investment. The film grossed over $1.3 billion (€1.21 billion) worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in the franchise. Despite its financial success, The Last Jedi remains a lightning rod for debate among Star Wars fans, proving that money doesn’t always buy universal acclaim.
A Generational Shift in the Force?
Every artist, at some point, has to pass the torch. Perhaps Johnson envisions a Star Wars helmed by creators raised on the franchise, individuals who breathe and bleed the Skywalker saga. These new voices could steer the ship in unexpected directions, honoring the legacy while forging a path all their own. The risk, of course, is alienating the existing fan base.
The question remains: will Lucasfilm embrace truly “fresh voices,” or will they continue to rely on established names to guide the future of Star Wars, regardless of the risk of creative stagnation?