Rian Johnson Responds to Star Wars Trilogy Rumors

The director behind one of the most polarizing Star Wars films has publicly addressed speculation about his departure from the franchise. Rian Johnson, known for directing Star Wars: The Last Jedi, responded directly to claims that online fan reaction influenced his decision not to pursue a planned trilogy.

The exchange began when Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy suggested in an interview that Johnson was 'spooked' by the intense negativity surrounding his film. Johnson's rebuttal was swift, concise, and delivered through his own social media channel, cutting through weeks of speculation with a single sentence.

The controversy ignited following a Deadline interview with Kathleen Kennedy, who is stepping down from her role as Lucasfilm president. When asked about the status of Johnson's previously announced Star Wars trilogy, Kennedy offered several explanations for why the projects had not moved forward.

She cited Johnson's busy schedule, noting his work on the Netflix deal and the success of his Knives Out franchise. However, she also added a more personal assessment of the director's mindset.

"I do believe he got spooked by the online negativity."

Johnson did not let the comment stand unchallenged. He replied to a social media post about the story with a message that left little room for interpretation.

"lol zero spooked, sorry"

The response was posted on X (formerly Twitter) and served as a direct rebuttal to the narrative that fan backlash had deterred him from continuing his work in the galaxy far, far away.

This is not the first time Rian Johnson has addressed the divisive reception of The Last Jedi. In a December 2025 interview with Polygon, the filmmaker discussed his artistic philosophy behind the movie, emphasizing his desire to challenge the audience rather than placate them.

Johnson stated that his intention was to create a film that would "shake the box" and upend long-held fan expectations. He expressed a belief that handling the Star Wars legacy with too much care would be a creative failure.

"I know how there can be infighting in the world of Star Wars. But I also know that the worst sin is to handle it with kid gloves."

This perspective highlights the fundamental tension between Johnson's directorial vision and a segment of the Star Wars fanbase. While Kennedy framed the departure as a reaction to external pressure, Johnson's past comments suggest his approach was always rooted in a desire to provoke and innovate, regardless of potential backlash.

In the same Deadline interview, Kathleen Kennedy provided a wider view of the challenges facing filmmakers entering the Star Wars universe. She noted that the intense scrutiny and passionate fan reactions create a daunting environment for new creatives.

Kennedy mentioned that she often hears concerns from filmmakers and actors about the potential reception of their work. She described the atmosphere as one that can make newcomers feel "a little scared" of the franchise's legacy and the vocal online communities that dissect every detail.

She also used the opportunity to address other shelved projects, confirming that plans for a Ben Solo movie starring Adam Driver were abandoned. However, she left the door open for future possibilities, stating that "anything’s a possibility if somebody’s willing to take a risk."

While the status of Johnson's trilogy remains uncertain, the Star Wars franchise continues to move forward with other projects. The pipeline for future films includes several high-profile releases set for the coming years.

Upcoming confirmed projects include:

• The Mandalorian and Grogu - A theatrical spinoff of the popular Disney+ series
• Star Wars: Starfighter - A standalone film starring Ryan Gosling

These projects represent the franchise's strategy of expanding the universe through both series and feature films. The focus appears to be on standalone stories and established characters rather than the large-scale, multi-film trilogies that defined earlier eras of the franchise.

The exchange between Rian Johnson and Kathleen Kennedy highlights the complex relationship between creative vision, studio expectations, and fan reception in modern franchise filmmaking. Johnson's direct response serves as a clear statement of his position.

Key points to consider moving forward:

• Johnson explicitly denies being influenced by online negativity
• The director remains committed to his Netflix commitments and the Knives Out franchise
• Lucasfilm continues to develop new Star Wars films despite the uncertainty around the trilogy
• The franchise's future appears focused on standalone projects rather than large-scale trilogies

As the Star Wars universe expands, the conversation around creative freedom and fan expectations remains central to the franchise's evolution.