It Doesn't Sound Like Rian Johnson Will Direct STAR WARS: EPISODE IX, But He Would Do Another STAR WARS Movie!
Ever since director Colin Trevorrow was fired from Star Wars: Episode IX for being difficult to work with, there's been a lot of talk and rumors about Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson stepping in to replace him. A good amount of fans seem to like that notion, but it doesn't sound like Johnson has any plans of doing it.
The director has been doing the press rounds for The Last Jedi in Japan, and Star Wars Underworld pointed out a video in which Johnson hints that he won't be directing Episode IX. He says he's excited to see what the next filmmaker Lucasfilm brings on has to give us. Here's the quote:
“It was never in the plan for me to direct Episode 9, so I don’t know what’s going to happen with it…for me, I was entirely focused on Episode 8 and having this experience. Now I’m just thinking about putting the movie out there and seeing how audiences respond to it. So no, I’m not really thinking about that right now. Whoever does it, I’m going to be really excited to be an audience member again, and to sit down and see what the next filmmaker has to show us and where this story ends up going.”
Now, he never comes out and says that he won't direct the movie, but he definitely hints at it. I guess there's still a chance that Lucasfilm might be able to entice him to jump on board. As of right now, all of his focus and attention is on finishing The Last Jedi, which is exactly what he should be focused on!
However, when he's done focusing on his current project he could always start focusing on Episode IX... if he wants. The director recently said on Twitter that he had the time of his life making The Last Jedi and that he'd make another Star Wars movie in a heartbeat.
So, if Lucasfilm does ask him to do it, maybe he'd actually say yes. I guess we'll just have to wait and see! I really am curious to see who the studio brings on to bring Episode IX to life.
I would do another SW movie in a heartbeat. I've had the time of my life.
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) July 20, 2017