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Rian Johnson Calls for Bolder Star Wars, Warning Against 'Kid-Gloves' Storytelling

Speaking while promoting Wake Up Dead Man, the director ties faith-driven themes to Star Wars, reflecting on his stalled trilogy.

Overview

  • In a Polygon interview, Johnson said the franchise’s “worst sin” is handling it “with kid gloves” and avoiding choices that “shake it up.”
  • He argued that every major entry since The Empire Strikes Back initially angered fans before many later embraced it.
  • Promoting Wake Up Dead Man, he drew parallels between its exploration of belief and The Last Jedi, noting he grew up very Christian but no longer identifies as a believer.
  • Online reaction to his remarks remained divided, with some fans criticizing his approach and others defending his reasoning.
  • His long-announced Star Wars trilogy has not moved forward, as he concentrates on the Knives Out series’ latest installment.