Rian Johnson Calls for One Big Change in Star Wars After Kathleen Kennedy’s Exit
With Star Wars under new leadership after Kathleen Kennedy’s exit, The Last Jedi filmmaker Rian Johnson has one bold change he wants to see — and he teased it during a Variety Studio sit-down.
Lucasfilm just changed hands, and one of the franchise’s most argued-over directors has a simple wish for what comes next.
Quick refresher: who is running Star Wars now?
With Kathleen Kennedy out, leadership at Lucasfilm is shifting to Dave Filoni (a longtime Star Wars creative) and Lynwen Brennan. Rian Johnson — the guy behind 2017’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi — weighed in on that transition during a Variety Studio session and kept it pretty positive.
Johnson’s ask under the new regime
Johnson says he loves Kennedy and is genuinely curious what she does next, but as a fan, what he wants most from Star Wars going forward is new blood telling new stories. Not exactly a radical take, but a meaningful one considering how tightly managed this universe has been.
"As a Star Wars fan, the most exciting thing for me is always seeing when they bring in fresh voices and fresh filmmakers to come in and tell new stories in that world. That’s what I am looking forward to seeing more happen."
The Last Jedi baggage (and why he still wants back in)
You know the drill: The Last Jedi remains the franchise’s most hotly debated entry — celebrated by some for zigging away from the expected, dragged by others for the exact same reason. Johnson is well aware of the discourse and, frankly, unbothered. He says making the movie was a blast and it only deepened his fandom.
His stance now? If Star Wars calls again, he’s in. In his words, he had the time of his life making The Last Jedi, came out an even bigger Star Wars fan, and would feel lucky to take another swing if the opportunity shows up.