Recent statements from Kathleen Kennedy reveal that Rian Johnson, director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, was deterred from continuing with the franchise due to widespread online backlash. Kennedy's comments highlight that the online negativity had a significant impact on Johnson's willingness to produce his own Star Wars trilogy, which had initially been announced but now appears unlikely to come to fruition. While Johnson's deal with Netflix and his focus on the Knives Out series are noted, Kennedy emphasizes that the reaction to The Last Jedi played a crucial role in his decision. This admission sheds light on the challenges filmmakers face when engaging with passionate fan communities, particularly within established franchises.

Why did Rian Johnson decide not to continue with Star Wars?

Rian Johnson was deterred from further involvement with Star Wars primarily due to intense online negativity surrounding his previous film, The Last Jedi. This backlash, coupled with his commitments to the Knives Out series, led to him stepping back from plans for his own trilogy.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi, released in December 2017, has been a controversial installment in the iconic franchise, drawing mixed reactions from fans for its narrative choices and character developments. Despite the divisive opinions, Johnson aimed to challenge traditional storytelling within the series, intending to surprise viewers rather than cater to existing expectations. His departure from the Star Wars universe reflects broader industry concerns about backlash from dedicated fanbases and the impact it can have on creativity and future projects.