Rian Johnson Breaks Silence: “Nothing Really Happened” With His Star Wars Trilogy

Rian Johnson, the filmmaker behind The Last Jedi, recently shed light on the long-rumored but ultimately abandoned Star Wars trilogy he was once slated to direct. In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Johnson clarified that the project never actually got past the idea phase and remained highly conceptual. Despite previous announcements suggesting a new three-film saga helmed by Johnson, he revealed there was never a formal outline or treatment developed. “Nothing really happened with it,” he said plainly.

Johnson explained that his collaboration with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy was more about creatively “kicking ideas around” rather than building a structured narrative. Their early conversations were filled with enthusiasm, and both sides expressed interest in continuing to work together. However, before any concrete development began, Johnson shifted gears and focused his energy on Knives Out, the wildly successful whodunit that launched a new franchise of its own. The director admitted that once Knives Out took off, he became deeply involved in making murder mystery films and never circled back to solidify his Star Wars trilogy.

Although the project never materialized, Johnson emphasized that he still has a deep affection for the Star Wars universe. He reflected on the unique experience of contributing to the saga, saying he’d be thrilled to return someday if the opportunity arises. Back in 2022, Johnson admitted he would be “sad” if he never got the chance to direct another Star Wars film, though he acknowledged that “it wouldn’t be the end of the world for anyone.”

Still, his love for the galaxy far, far away—and its fanbase—remains clear. “There’s nothing like telling a story in this world and then experiencing people truly connecting to it and letting you know that,” he said. “It’s extraordinary.”

For now, Johnson seems content continuing his own creative ventures outside the franchise, while leaving the door open for a possible return to Star Wars someday.