Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Rian Johnson Rejects Kathleen Kennedy’s Claim He Was ‘Spooked’ From Returning to Star Wars

He says his planned trilogy stayed at the idea stage as his attention went to Knives Out under a Netflix deal.

Overview

  • Johnson responded on X to coverage of Kennedy’s exit interview, writing, “lol zero spooked, sorry.”
  • Kennedy told Deadline she believed online negativity after The Last Jedi scared him off, while also noting his schedule was consumed by Knives Out.
  • Johnson has said the new trilogy never advanced beyond being very conceptual and that it fizzled once Knives Out took off.
  • The Last Jedi earned about $1.3 billion worldwide and drew a polarized fan response that continues to be cited in franchise debates.
  • Lucasfilm leadership is shifting to Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan, and Johnson has indicated he could return someday but is focused on his own projects.