Director Rian Johnson’s polarising contribution to the Star Wars series, The Last Jedi, continues to spark conversations, debates and out-and-out fist fights amongst fans, with this probably carrying on until the end of time. Or at least until the next trilogy. Johnson has one again addressed the toxic fandom that comes with working under the umbrella of such an iconic franchise, as well as discussing the massive taint of turnover that has occurred behind the scenes.
Speaking about the likes of Colin Trevorrow, who left The Rise of Skywalker after ‘creative differences’, and Game of Thrones pair David Benioff and D.B. Weiss who departed from the chance to helm their own trilogy, Johnson was careful not to pass any judgements.
“I can’t speak to the experience that anyone else has had. I would caution that other people’s sets are like other people’s marriages. You think you know what’s going on with them, but the only thing that’s absolutely true is that you’re wrong. I can only speak to my experience, which was an absolute dream from top to bottom, beginning to end. From Kathy [Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy] to Bob Iger to J.J. [Abrams] to all the craftsmen.”
It sounds like he has no idea what actually went on between these directors and the studio behind the curtain, but was quick to point out the great experience he had while making his Star Wars movie. Kathleen Kennedy is a fan of The Last Jedi, so it’s not a total loss at the end of the day.
Johnson also addressed the rumours that Benioff and Weiss walked away from Star Wars due in large part to the toxic fandom that seems to be directed at anyone who has any involvement with the sci-fi series.
“You always have to contextualize how small a part of the fandom that section is. I’m not talking about people who like or dislike a particular movie. I’m talking about the people who have dedicated themselves to abusing people who are involved in the films. It’s so small, but it gets blown up.”
The director then went on to describe his own experience with the more poisonous side of the Star Wars fanbase, comparing it to a ‘hurricane’.
“Having been in the hurricane for the last two years, I can tell you that 95% of what I get even on Twitter is lovely and thoughtful and engaged, even when people don’t like my movie. Having said that, it’s a problem that every type of fandom is dealing with. It’s almost a byproduct of this system that is the internet.”
Clearly the experience has not put Johnsnon off of coming back to the Star Wars universe, as discussions have been taking place for some time regarding the director taking on his own trilogy. Though there have been constant rumors that Rian Johnson’s Star Wars trilogy is cancelled, Johnson confirms that talks are still taking place.
“I’m still talking to Lucasfilm. They haven’t announced anything.”
Though he does seemingly put to bed that his trilogy will be the one rumoured to be released in 2022.
“Every single day there’s a new thing. Until it’s up on StarWars.com, don’t believe it.”
His return is sure to excite some fans and infuriate others, but until that fateful day we have The Rise of Skywalker which hits cinemas on December 19. This news comes from Variety.
