Lots of things have changed in the world of Star Wars over the past few years but one thing has remained maddeningly consistent: no one involved in the future of Star Wars has mentioned Rian Johnson.
Johnson, writer and director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, was once set to write and direct a full new trilogy of films. But when The Last Jedi was met with such a polarizing response, those projects were moved to the background. Johnson went on to make Knives Out, a huge, original hit film, and has since been working almost exclusively in the murder mystery genre. His third Knives Out film, Wake Up Dead Man, will be out later this year, and the second season of Poker Face on Peacock is airing now.
So, it’s not like Rian Johnson needs Star Wars but Star Wars might need Rian Johnson. As the franchise continues to flounder, especially on the big screen—with multiple films announced, delayed, moved, shelved and more—fans always think back to the idea of Johnson returning to Star Wars. And, in a new interview, he admits he does the same thing.
“I kind of went down the murder mystery rabbit hole—I’m focused on making other stuff,” Johnson said to the Independent when asked about his distance from Star Wars. “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.”
We would too, Rian. We would, too.
Unfortunately, now almost 10 years after the original announcement, a Johnson trilogy probably doesn’t fit in with any current plans. There are two, for sure, Star Wars movies coming in the next two years—The Mandalorian & Grogu one year from today, May 22, 2026, and then Star Wars: Starfighter a year later on May 28, 2027. Beyond that, Simon Kinberg is said to be working on the next official Star Wars trilogy alongside movies by James Mangold, Dave Filoni, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. So even if Johnson finishes Knives Out and Poker Face, we sincerely doubt he’ll be back in a galaxy far, far away anytime soon. But we hope it happens one day.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Read the full article here
