Rian Johnson Says He Came Out of Making THE LAST JEDI “Loving Star Wars Fandom More Than I Did Even Going Into It”
Star Wars: The Last Jedi continues to be one of the most passionately debated entries in the Star Wars saga, but for director Rian Johnson, the experience of making it, and sharing it with the world, only deepened his affection for the franchise’s devoted fanbase.
Speaking at the Newport Beach Film Festival, Johnson opened up about his time with Star Wars: Episode VIII and made it clear that the reactions to the film, whether praise or criticism, never discouraged him from wanting to return.
When asked if fan backlash was the reason he hasn’t returned to direct another Star Wars movie, Johnson replied:
“No, not at all. In fact, it's the reason that I wanted to. My overall experience with putting the movie out, and what you're talking about with fan feedback – I mean, first of all, I'm a lifelong Star Wars fan. And so I know the deal.
“I know that Star Wars fans are passionate about this stuff. We love the stuff we love, we hate the stuff we hate, and we fight about it. And that's been happening since the original trilogy.
“I was in college when the prequels came out. Are you kidding me? The prequel wars? We had a few. I mean, everybody did.”
Johnson went on to reflect on how division within the fandom isn’t new, and how the heated debates are simply part of what makes being a Star Wars fan so special.
“And so, the notion that Star Wars has been this kind of Shangri-La, united fandom, and that [nothing] could then split that apart [is false].
“The reality is Star Wars has always been something that has meant different things to different people. And I think that's part of the fun and the passion of it as fans, is arguing about it respectfully.”
Despite the polarized response to The Last Jedi, Johnson said his experience connecting with fans over the years has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I've talked to so many people over the years, since we made that movie, who have such deep connections to Star Wars and who have deep connections to that movie.
“And so it's been the most positive experience I've ever had with anything I've made, in terms of interacting with people who've seen it. I came out at the other end of it loving Star Wars fandom more than I did even going into it.”
Even before The Last Jedi hit theaters in 2017, Johnson had been developing plans for a new Star Wars trilogy of his own. Those plans are currently on hold, but the filmmaker hasn’t closed the door on returning to the franchise someday.
“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.”
For now, Johnson is busy finishing Knives Out 3, which hits Netflix on December 12, while Star Wars fans can look forward to the franchise’s return to theaters with The Mandalorian and Grogu arriving next May.
Whether you loved or loathed The Last Jedi, it’s pretty awesome to see Johnson’s enthusiasm for the fandom still burning bright.