David Bridges
Rian Johnson has expressed a strong desire to revisit the expansive universe of Star Wars in the future, especially after he wraps up his current projects focused on thrilling murder-mystery films and captivating television shows. While there is a lingering hope among fans for the realization of his previously planned trilogy, others find it challenging to overlook the mixed reactions surrounding his contribution to the franchise, particularly with The Last Jedi. In a recent interview, Johnson shared insights into his journey with the Lucasfilm project and the expectations that accompanied his involvement.
In a candid conversation with Rolling Stone, Johnson tackled the speculation that he and fellow director J.J. Abrams, who helmed the initial and concluding films of the sequel trilogy—namely The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker—failed to maintain adequate communication regarding their respective Star Wars films. This lack of dialogue has often been cited as a reason for the disjointed narrative flow that some audiences perceived between the two movies.
Contrary to this perception, Johnson clarified, “We met, and I dedicated several days to understanding his creative vision and the decisions he made while directing Force Awakens. Even though we were in different stages of production, I made sure to communicate effectively and bring my own vision to life. My aim was not to ‘undo’ any narrative threads established by J.J.; rather, I sought to honor the story he crafted, which I deeply admired, and the characters he introduced that I cherished, and elevate them to their next chapter.”
At this pivotal moment, Johnson received guidance from a key figure in the Star Wars universe—Kathy Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm. She conveyed that the studio was seeking someone to create the equivalent of the iconic Empire Strikes Back for this series. Johnson took this directive to heart, perhaps with a level of seriousness that exceeded expectations. To him, this task was not merely about paying homage to Empire; it was about authentically capturing the essence of what made Empire resonate with audiences and implementing that spirit into his own storytelling.
Regardless of whether Johnson’s approach to emulating the legacy of Empire resonated with fans (it’s worth noting that some viewers genuinely appreciate The Last Jedi!), it was evident that stepping into the role of the director for the middle installment of the trilogy presented formidable challenges. This became even more complicated when Johnson made the decision to redefine the story’s trajectory. One significant shift was his choice to remove Snoke, the formidable antagonist introduced with much anticipation in The Force Awakens. Johnson’s rationale was simple; he believed that Kylo Ren represented a more intricate and nuanced villain that could drive the narrative forward more effectively.
“Removing Snoke from the equation was not a decision I made lightly,” Johnson explained. “I was meticulous in how I utilized his character to create a dramatically significant impact, with the ultimate goal of developing Kylo’s character to its fullest potential. It truly all hinges on one’s perspective.”
Ultimately, the Star Wars saga thrives on passionate discussions among its fanbase regarding the creative choices made both on-screen and behind the scenes, and these debates are a testament to the franchise’s enduring legacy.
If you’re eager for more updates from io9, be sure to keep an eye out for announcements regarding the latest releases in the Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek universes, as well as what’s on the horizon for the DC Universe in both film and television, along with essential information about the future of Doctor Who.
Daniel Mercer
Ethan Carter
