Fan reaction toStar Wars: The Last Jediwas loud, that’s for sure. With a worldwide gross of $1.3 billion, theForce Awakenssequel was seen bya lotof people, but if you went on social media there was a heated divide between some fans—those who loved writer/directorRian Johnson’s bold new direction for the franchise, and those who hated it. Regardless of how you feel about the film, Johnson isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Lucasfilm presidentKathleen Kennedyhad such a positive experience with the filmmaker onThe Last Jedithat she signed him to create a brand newStar Warstrilogy with new characters and a new setting, and he’s hard at work crafting that three-film arc right now.
This new trilogy was announced beforeThe Last Jedihit theaters, but now that fans have seen the sequel some are (wrongly) less than enthused about the prospect of Johnson sticking around theStar Warsfranchise for even longer. But if those same people are holding out hope that maybe Johnson will take into account some of the more vocal fan criticisms ofThe Last Jediwhen crafting this new trilogy, that ain’t gonna happen.
Speaking withFandango’s Erik Davisat SXSW where the incredible making of documentaryThe Director and the Jedipremiered, Johnson said he’s not taking into account fan criticisms overThe Last Jedifor his new trilogy:
“No, not really. I feel like everyStar Warsthing that ever gets made has a big, loud response becauseStar Warsfans are passionate and that’s what makes them awesome. But no, and I don’t think it’s possible—if you’re really telling a story you care about and having it come from your heart, it’s just not possible to be intellectually processing what everyone else wants. Nor would it be a good thing, a healthy thing. I don’t think that’s a good way to tell a story.”
He’s not wrong. If a director tried to please everyone, they’d end up pleasing no one. Johnson is and has always been a unique filmmaker in his own right with a strong handle on the stories he wants to tell, so if you look back on his filmography it wouldn’t make sense for the guy to suddenly be soliciting story ideas from the general public.
As someone who loved the direction Johnson tookThe Last Jedi, and the care with which he did so, I can’t wait to see what he brings to a brand newStar Warsstory not tied to the Skywalker saga. Watch the full interview below.
