At a Glance
- Rian Johnson, who directed The Last Jedi, believes fresh filmmakers should shape Star Wars’ future.
- Current releases feature well-established directors: Jon Favreau and Shawn Levy.
- Filoni and Brennan now run Lucasfilm, keeping the door open for new talent.
- Why it matters: Johnson’s comments signal a potential shift toward diverse storytelling in the franchise.
Rian Johnson, the director behind The Last Jedi, recently told Variety that he is eager to see new voices bring fresh stories to the Star Wars universe. His remarks come as Lucasfilm’s leadership transitions to Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan, a change that could pave the way for the kind of innovation Johnson champions.
Johnson’s Vision for Star Wars
Johnson’s enthusiasm for fresh talent is clear in his interview. “As a Star Wars fan, the most exciting thing for me is always seeing when they bring in fresh voices and fresh filmmakers to come in and tell new stories in that world,” he told Variety. “That’s what I am looking forward to seeing more happen.”
He also expressed admiration for the former president, Kathleen Kennedy, noting, “I love Kathy. I am excited now to see what she does next.” Johnson’s comments suggest he still respects the legacy of those who have guided the franchise, while pushing for new creative directions.
Current Pipeline
The next two Star Wars films are already in the works, both directed by well-known filmmakers:
- Jon Favreau – The Book of Boba Fett (TV series, but part of the cinematic universe)
- Shawn Levy – The Rise of Skywalker (though the film was released earlier, Levy’s involvement signals a continuing trend of established directors)
In addition, the future may involve writers and directors like Simon Kinberg or Taika Waititi, both of whom have a track record of delivering high-profile projects. A potential Rey film directed by Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy would align with Johnson’s call for fresh voices, but its status remains uncertain.
| Project | Director | Status |
|---|---|---|
| The Book of Boba Fett | Jon Favreau | In production |
| The Rise of Skywalker | Shawn Levy | Released |
| Future Rey film | Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy | Unconfirmed |
Possibilities Under Filoni and Brennan
With Filoni and Brennan at the helm, Lucasfilm can afford to wait before announcing new projects. Johnson hinted that this pause could allow the emergence of new filmmakers:
> “Which isn’t to say Johnson’s wishes won’t soon come true. With two movies coming in the next two years, Filoni and Brennan don’t have to rush to announce more about the future of Star Wars. And it’s quite possible that by the time that happens, some more of those ‘fresh filmmakers’ Johnson is hoping for will emerge.”
This approach mirrors the studio’s strategy of balancing established names with potential newcomers, ensuring a steady stream of content while keeping room for innovation.
Johnson’s Openness to Return
Johnson remains open to future involvement with Star Wars. He reflected on his experience making The Last Jedi:
> “I had the time of my life [making The Last Jedi],” he said. “I am now an even bigger Star Wars fan than I was when going into it. I would feel blessed if that were to ever happen [again].”
His willingness to return underscores a collaborative spirit and suggests that the franchise can benefit from a mix of veteran and emerging talent.
Key Takeaways
- Johnson champions new voices in Star Wars storytelling.
- The immediate pipeline features established directors.
- Filoni and Brennan’s leadership offers flexibility for future projects.
- Johnson’s openness to return keeps doors open for future collaboration.
The Star Wars franchise is at a crossroads, balancing legacy with the potential for fresh perspectives. Johnson’s comments serve as a reminder that the galaxy’s future may be shaped by a new generation of filmmakers.
