Just weeks before the much-anticipated release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, a significant announcement emerged from Lucasfilm and Disney. They announced the rehire of writer-director Rian Johnson to helm a new trilogy of Star Wars films. This move signified a profound confidence in his upcoming eighth installment of the saga. The excitement surrounding this announcement was palpable, yet the film’s bold take sparked mixed feelings among audiences.
In the years following the release of The Last Jedi, Lucasfilm has found itself in a perplexing position, contemplating the future direction of the Star Wars franchise. Johnson’s planned trilogy nearly vanished, while various movie announcements followed suit, disappearing into uncertainty. Next year, fans are slated to see a movie adaptation of a TV show that had yet to even premiere at the time of this announcement, marking the first Star Wars film since the end of the sequel trilogy—a trilogy whose final entry faced turmoil due to the divided fan reactions to Johnson’s vision.
Despite the controversies, Rian Johnson reflects on this challenging period with optimism. During a recent discussion at the Newport Beach Film Festival, he addressed whether the fan response to The Last Jedi impacted his ability to create more Star Wars content.
“No, not at all,” Johnson stated firmly. “In fact, it’s the reason that I wanted to. My experience releasing the movie, combined with the fan feedback, has been incredibly enriching. As a lifelong Star Wars fan myself, I understand the passion of this community. Fans love deeply, but they also express their dislikes, and that’s the nature of our discourse, even dating back to the original trilogy. The prequel wars in college were real.”
He elaborated, “The idea that Star Wars has always been a harmonious fanbase is a misconception. Star Wars means different things to different people, and this is part of its charm. Respectful debates are what fuel our love for it.”
Johnson went on to share that he has spoken with many fans since the release of The Last Jedi, revealing the profound connections people have formed with the franchise. “The experience has been remarkably positive. I emerged from it with an even greater appreciation for the Star Wars fandom than I had before.”
As for the fate of Johnson’s Star Wars films, he remains hopeful for the future, often expressing a desire to explore those stories one day. The fact that he can view his past experiences positively speaks volumes about why he would have been a fantastic choice to lead those new films.
Writer/Director @rianjohnson Discusses #StarWars: #TheLastJedi At The Newport Beach Film Festival pic.twitter.com/MvJX46xpFl
— Star Wars Culture (@SWCultureLive) November 5, 2025
What were the biggest controversies around The Last Jedi? The film ignited debates among fans, with some applauding its fresh take while others criticized departures from canon. This discourse showcased the division but also the passion inherent in the Star Wars community.
Could Rian Johnson ever return to direct another Star Wars film? Johnson has stated he would love to explore the franchise further, should the opportunity arise again.
What lessons did Rian Johnson learn from the fan reactions? He discovered the value of passionate fan engagement and how diverse opinions enrich the overall Star Wars dialogue.
How has fan feedback shaped the future of the Star Wars franchise? The mixed reactions to The Last Jedi have prompted Lucasfilm to rethink its strategy moving forward, which has resulted in a more cautious approach.
What’s next for Johnson after Star Wars? He has shifted focus to the Knives Out franchise, where he is currently developing sequels, showing his versatility as a filmmaker.
As the Star Wars saga continues to evolve, keep your eyes peeled for the latest updates on upcoming projects. Dive deeper into the world of Star Wars and beyond at Moyens I/O.