Rian Johnson’s Star Wars Trilogy Could Revitalize the Saga!

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Just prior to the release of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Lucasfilm disclosed that writer/director Rian Johnson was working on a brand-new trilogy of Star Wars films, with at least one of these films to be directed by Johnson himself. Given the relatively smooth production process of “The Last Jedi” compared to other recent Star Wars movies made in the 2010s, it’s no wonder that Lucasfilm was eager to collaborate further with him. The massive success of “The Last Jedi,” earning the title of both the highest-grossing domestic and international film of 2017, further solidified Johnson as a promising talent for Lucasfilm.

For almost a decade, there’s been no progress on those particular projects. Johnson has immersed himself in the universe of Knives Out, while Lucasfilm has been grappling with deciding the direction for post-2019 Star Wars films. Rian Johnson’s trilogy is currently in a state of uncertainty, alongside other productions such as Taika Waititi’s Star Wars film. Despite these delays, my enthusiasm for seeing Rian Johnson’s trio of Star Wars movies remains strong. I still eagerly await their release.

Star Wars Could Use Some Rian Johnson Energy

In the eyes of many, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” stands out as an exceptional installment within the Star Wars saga. Rian Johnson masterfully blended striking visuals and a captivatingly intricate atmosphere in his one-time journey to this distant galaxy. Two standout aspects among many are the bold use of stunning imagery and the daring decision to challenge audience expectations, venturing into uncharted territory. Johnson’s storytelling is known for its thrilling unpredictability, which makes him an ideal fit for the intricate plotlines found in “Knives Out”. This element of surprise infused “The Last Jedi” with energy, providing a dynamic sequel to “The Force Awakens”, which leaned heavily on familiar Star Wars iconography.

It’s quite clear that the Star Wars saga could benefit from a breath of fresh air in its current condition. Unfortunately, it seems to be bogged down by excessive fan service, particularly when it comes to acknowledging the animated projects led by Dave Filoni from 2008 to 2014. Interestingly, the anticipated return of Star Wars to the big screen in 2026 will feature “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” an expansion of the Disney+ series, The Mandalorian. It appears that Star Wars is struggling under the weight of too much familiarity.

What could be more fitting than Rian Johnson, who planned an innovative trilogy delving into unexplored periods and personalities within the Star Wars mythos, to stir things up? Johnson openly expressed his desire for this trilogy to reshape people’s expectations of what a Star Wars film can encompass. With the saga now confined to delivering only the familiar, Johnson’s creative goal may be more vital than ever before.

Star Wars Could Really Use a Grade-A Filmmaker

Star Wars’ visual style has been dominated by Disney+ series for quite some time, with the exception of “Andor”. The visual effects in these shows are limited due to being produced on an ILM StageCraft. In contrast, the franchise’s aesthetic is typically conservative, as directors are expected to maintain a consistent look across episodes without introducing too much of their personal style, to avoid disrupting the overall aesthetic. However, Johnson’s filmmaking for “The Last Jedi” was markedly different, showcasing dynamic fight scenes, striking visuals, and even an extended tribute to the 1927 film “Wings”.

In the upcoming time, Star Wars will produce films directed by Shawn Levy and Dave Filoni, who are not typically recognized for their exceptional live-action visuals. Interestingly, even James Mangold, set to helm future Star Wars productions, has a varied history when it comes to aesthetics; while he’s given us stunning films like Ford v. Ferrari and Logan, he’s also delivered less visually impressive movies such as Knight & Day and A Complete Unknown. Previously, the Star Wars franchise was synonymous with breathtaking, grandiose visual spectacles on the big screen. Having Johnson return to helm these movies could guarantee that this franchise once again produces sharp, stunning images that truly captivate audiences in the cinema.

Apart from excelling in creating imagery that leaves viewers spellbound, Rian Johnson demonstrates an extraordinary knack for producing crowd-pleasing films. For instance, consider the climax of the original “Knives Out,” a breathtaking finale skillfully constructed using elements established throughout the movie rather than relying on lore from cartoon series. To further illustrate his talent, observe the surprising moments in “The Last Jedi,” such as Snoke’s demise or Holdo’s selfless act. Johnson showcases exceptional filmmaking abilities across various domains, but he truly shines when crafting the large, fulfilling scenes that create lasting, unforgettable movie experiences.

It’s long overdue for Rian Johnson to return and potentially revitalize the Star Wars franchise, as his planned trilogy has been in the works for eight years. With his Benoit Blanc movie series concluding, this seems like the perfect moment to bring his Star Wars trilogy to life. Given the current state of the franchise, Johnson’s skills and creativity are needed now more than ever.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is now streaming on Disney+.

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2025-04-06 16:10