Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy Reveals Rian Johnson Halted Star Wars Plans Amid Backlash
Rian Johnson’s potential Star Wars trilogy has been halted, as revealed by Kathleen Kennedy, the outgoing president of Lucasfilm. In a recent interview, she noted that Johnson was deterred by the intense online backlash following “The Last Jedi.” This negativity significantly impacted his decision-making regarding the franchise.
Impact of Online Backlash on Rian Johnson
Johnson’s plans for a new trilogy were first announced as a continuation of the Star Wars universe. However, he has since focused on other projects, particularly the Netflix series “Knives Out,” which took up much of his time. Kennedy stated that the online response played a crucial role in this shift.
- Johnson received intense criticism after “The Last Jedi.”
- He initially planned to create a separate trilogy from the Skywalker Saga.
- After signing the deal with Netflix, he became occupied with other projects.
Kathleen Kennedy’s Insights
Kennedy described the backlash as “the rough part” of filmmaking. She acknowledged that many creators feel fearful about how their work will be received. Despite this, she praised Johnson’s vision, stating that he made one of the best Star Wars films.
Current Status of Star Wars Projects
As Kennedy steps down, two significant Star Wars films are in post-production. These include:
- The Mandalorian and Grogu, a spinoff from the popular Disney+ series.
- The standalone Star Wars: Starfighter, featuring Ryan Gosling, scheduled for release in 2027.
Kennedy also touched on the now-defunct plans for a Ben Solo movie starring Adam Driver. She expressed that anything could happen in the future if someone is willing to take risks.
The Future of Star Wars
As Lucasfilm transitions to new leadership, fans are eager to see how upcoming projects will unfold. The varied reception of previous installments has led to cautious optimism about the creative directions ahead.
