“Want to make this clear”: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson reveals if he is willing to return to Star Wars

Rian Johnson's work with the Star Wars universe with The Last Jedi, a film that divided fans and critics with its unapologetic storytelling and surprise turns, has been a significant moment in the franchise. Since its release, fans have wondered if the director would ever return for another installment of the favorite saga, as the franchise is opening up to a plethora of future projects.

There have been rumors and hearsay about Johnson's return to the franchise. As Star Wars keeps expanding and growing, everyone's question on everyone's mind is: will Rian Johnson be returning to this iconic galaxy far, far away? Now, in a rather candid interview, Johnson finally addresses the rumors head-on, sharing his wish to return to the Star Wars franchise and what he thinks about the backlash.

Speaking to The Independent, the director said,

“I mean, I kind of went down the murder mystery rabbit hole – I’m focused on making other stuff. But that wouldn’t rule out it happening down the line. If I get back in the Star Wars universe someday, I’d be the happiest person.”

Johnson also went on to talk about the criticism the film received as he continued,

“I always want to make this clear: it’s not like I’ve gone through a living hell or something. I feel like I've had such a wonderful, lovely, positive experience with the fans during the course of it. That's left me a bigger Star Wars fan than I ever was, which is really something, because I grew up with it as the bedrock of my childhood.”

Upcoming Star Wars projects

Lucasfilm is cranking up the hype with a lineup of new Star Wars projects that promise to take the galaxy far, far away to thrilling new places. First up, The Mandalorian & Grogu returns in 2026 with Pedro Pascal back as the iconic bounty hunter, continuing the beloved saga right after Return of the Jedi. Fans can expect fresh adventures and familiar faces as the story unfolds.

Simon Kinberg is cooking up a brand-new trilogy, possibly episodes 10 to 12, with whispers that Rey will make a comeback alongside a standalone film all about her journey. Meanwhile, Shawn Levy’s untitled movie, set for 2027, will introduce a whole new cast and story set after The Rise of Skywalker, bringing fresh energy to the saga.

Trending

James Mangold dives deep into Star Wars lore with a film exploring the origins of the Force itself, set a staggering 25,000 years before the Skywalker family drama. Dave Filoni is stitching together stories from Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett, and The Mandalorian in a New Republic movie, maybe even bringing Timothy Zahn’s legendary Thrawn Trilogy to the big screen.

And there’s more: Taika Waititi’s quirky Star Wars film, a Lando Calrissian series starring Donald Glover, Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron flying back into action, plus a new Rey-led story about rebuilding the Jedi Order. The Star Wars universe isn’t just expanding, it’s evolving, ready to captivate both longtime fans and new adventurers alike.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback

Quick Links

More from SoapCentral