Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” expressed his enthusiasm for the future of the “Star Wars” franchise following the recent departure of Kathleen Kennedy, who announced she would step down as head of Lucasfilm. Kennedy, who has led the studio for 14 years since being appointed by franchise creator George Lucas, is set to be succeeded by Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan.
At the Variety Studio presented by Audible during the Sundance Film Festival, Johnson remarked on Kennedy’s departure, stating, “I love Kathy. I am excited now to see what she does next.” His comments came while he was in attendance as an executive producer for the film “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York.” Johnson emphasized the importance of bringing in “fresh voices and fresh filmmakers” to the franchise, indicating that this is a pivotal moment for “Star Wars” as it seeks to explore new narratives and directions.
Johnson’s experience directing “The Last Jedi” was transformative for him. He noted, “I had the time of my life doing it. 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].” This sentiment highlights his deep connection to the franchise and his desire to see it thrive under new creative leadership.
Also present at Sundance was Kelly Marie Tran, who portrayed Rose Tico in both “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker.” Tran shared her thoughts on Kennedy’s impact, stating, “It’s such a loss” for the franchise. She praised Kennedy’s long-standing leadership, noting that having a capable woman in such a significant role is historic. Tran expressed happiness for Kennedy’s new opportunities while acknowledging the void her departure will create.
Following the release of “The Last Jedi” in 2017, Johnson was slated to develop a new “Star Wars” trilogy. However, the project did not materialize, and he shifted his focus to the successful “Knives Out” film series. In a recent interview with Deadline, Kennedy explained that Johnson’s commitment to the “Knives Out” films consumed a significant portion of his time, contributing to his absence from the “Star Wars” universe. She also suggested that Johnson was somewhat apprehensive about the backlash to “The Last Jedi.” Johnson, for his part, refuted this claim on social media, stating, “Lol zero spooked, sorry.”
As Johnson and Tran reflect on Kennedy’s legacy, fans and industry insiders alike await the new direction of “Star Wars” under Filoni and Brennan. The future of the franchise remains a topic of great interest, with many eager to see how fresh perspectives will shape the beloved universe.
