Star Wars films returned to theaters with the sequel trilogy, in addition to standalone films (each of that are streaming with a Disney+ subscription). Filmmaker Rian Johnson famously directed The Final Jedi, which subverted fan expectations and have become a speaking level for years. There have been rumors that he could be returning for The Rise of Skywalker, and now the Poker Face creator has shared the reality behind that chatter.
Previous to creating the Knives Out franchise (streaming with a Netflix subscription), Johnson took daring narrative swings with The Final Jedi that I personally assume have aged nicely. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he was requested about when, chronologically, he had talks to probably direct Episode IX. He make clear this rumor, saying:
I feel we should have been wrapping up. But in addition, to be clear, we had by no means put our names within the hat. We by no means have been anticipating doing a 3rd one. It was nothing we have been pitching ourselves for, and [Kennedy] made the choice.
That does clear issues up. Whereas it feels like there was some talks, Rian Johnson wasn’t campaigning to direct a follow-up to The Final Jedi. And finally that is not the best way that Kathleen Kennedy determined to take the ultimate chapter within the sequel trilogy.
Later in that very same interview, he was requested if the potential of directing Episode IX affected his work on The Final Jedi. Particularly, if he needed to cram in additional story and twists upon realizing he wasn’t going to remain on. He shut that down, as an alternative providing:
No, completely not. The fact is, if I assumed I used to be doing each of them, I might have ended it the identical approach. From the very begin, the project was doing [film number] eight, and one other director would do 9. I didn’t know it could be J.J. However the entire thing was being the center leg of the race.
Quite than a two-movie narrative, The Final Jedi informed a extra contained story that was at all times meant to be the second half of a bigger trilogy. Quite than supply teases for upcoming Star Wars films, as an alternative Johnson wrapped up quite a few ongoing plot traces… albeit in shocking methods. Snoke was unceremoniously killed off, Ray was (quickly) revealed to be nobody, and Luke Skywalker returned to The Drive after his time in isolation.
For years after The Final Jedi‘s launch, there have been stories that Rian Johnson was getting his trilogy of Star Wars films, however he is but to return to the galaxy far, distant. There would not look like any progress on that time, however hopefully the timing will work out someday.
The Final Jedi is streaming on Disney+, together with the remainder of the Star Wars franchise. George Lucas’ beloved universe is not anticipated to return to theaters till Daisy Ridley’s Rey film arrives.