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Rian Johnson Unfazed by Star Wars Backlash, Kennedy Exits

1/17/2026

Summary

Johnson Defends Star Wars

Rian Johnson, filmmaker, dismissed the claim by Kathleen Kennedy of Lucasfilm that online negativity deterred him from continuing Star Wars, saying, "lol zero spooked, sorry."
Kennedy suggested Johnson's focus on Knives Out and backlash to The Last Jedi contributed to stagnation of his trilogy.
Kennedy's departure from Lucasfilm leaves two Star Wars films in post-production, including The Mandalorian and Grogu, and a Ryan Gosling-led Starfighter planned for 2027.

Summary

Johnson Rejects Backlash

Rian Johnson rejected Kathleen Kennedy's claim that he was spooked by online fan backlash.
Kennedy suggested he was deterred by fan backlash, but Johnson said his focus shifted to the Knives Out franchise.
The planned Star Wars trilogy never progressed beyond conceptual stages.
Johnson remains open to future Star Wars opportunities while prioritizing his own projects.

History

Historical Context

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi," released in 2017, grossed over $1.3 billion but sparked intense fan backlash, highlighting ongoing tensions within the franchise. Director Rian Johnson and producer Kathleen Kennedy faced criticism over creative decisions, reflecting broader debates about the franchise's direction. This discord may shape future projects, including the upcoming Starfighter film, as Lucasfilm navigates evolving fan expectations.

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Johnson Defends Star Wars

Rian Johnson, filmmaker, dismissed the claim by Kathleen Kennedy of Lucasfilm that online negativity deterred him from continuing Star Wars, saying, "lol zero spooked, sorry."
Kennedy suggested Johnson's focus on Knives Out and backlash to The Last Jedi contributed to stagnation of his trilogy.
Kennedy's departure from Lucasfilm leaves two Star Wars films in post-production, including The Mandalorian and Grogu, and a Ryan Gosling-led Starfighter planned for 2027.

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