By Digital News Desk
Filmmaker Rian Johnson is doubling down on his controversial approach to franchise filmmaking. The director recently stated that treating the Star Wars universe with “kid gloves” is the ultimate mistake for any creator. His comments offer a fresh perspective on the creative stagnation that often plagues massive Hollywood properties.
Challenging the Franchise Formula
Johnson recently sat down with Polygon to discuss his latest directorial effort. The conversation inevitably shifted toward his polarizing yet financially successful tenure in the galaxy far, far away. He explained that playing it safe does a disservice to the legacy of the series.
“The worst sin is to be afraid of doing anything that shakes it up,” Johnson remarked during the interview.
He argued that friction is a necessary component of great storytelling. The director acknowledged the “recoil” that comes from challenging a fanbase. However, he believes that valid artistic choices often rattle the audience before earning their respect.
Key Takeaways from Johnson’s Interview:
- Conflict is Good: Movies that challenge fans often age better than safe ones.
- The “Sin” of Safety: Fear of backlash leads to boring storytelling.
- Historical Precedent: Even The Empire Strikes Back originally divided audiences.
Johnson emphasized that every significant entry in the saga caused arguments. He noted that these films got people fighting and talking. Eventually, that passion turned into long-term appreciation for the bold swings taken by the creators.
Rian Johnson directing camera on movie set digital art
The Legacy of The Last Jedi
It is impossible to separate these comments from Johnson’s work on Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The 2017 film remains one of the most debated entries in the entire franchise history. It subverted expectations regarding Luke Skywalker’s journey and the nature of the Force.
The film was a massive financial success despite the online noise.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Global Box Office | $1.33 Billion |
| Domestic Opening | $220 Million |
| CinemaScore | A |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) | 91% |
The numbers paint a clear picture of success. Disney and Lucasfilm seemingly agreed at the time. They announced a potential new trilogy helmed by Johnson shortly after the film’s release.
That trilogy has since languished in development hell. Updates have been scarce for years. Yet, Johnson’s philosophy remains consistent. He proved that a film could deviate from the established formula and still perform like a blockbuster juggernaut.
Risks vs. Fan Service in Modern Sci-Fi
The industry has seen a shift since Johnson’s departure from the franchise. Lucasfilm has leaned heavily into nostalgia with recent projects. Shows like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka often rely on familiar characters to please long-time viewers.
Critics argue this approach has diminishing returns.
However, there is evidence that Johnson’s “shake it up” philosophy works elsewhere. Tony Gilroy’s Andor series received near-universal acclaim for abandoning fan service. It focused on gritty espionage and mature political themes instead of lightsaber duels.
Successful Risks in Recent Star Wars:
- Andor: Explored the mundane evil of fascism without using the Force.
- The Acolyte: Attempted to explore a new era (though met with mixed results).
- Visions: Allowed anime creators to completely break canon rules.
These projects suggest a hunger for something new. Audiences over the age of 12 are increasingly looking for complex narratives. Recycling old elements with endless callbacks is becoming a tired strategy for the studio.
There is hope on the horizon for risk-takers. Shawn Levy is developing a Star Wars film rumored to focus on standalone storytelling. If the studio allows creators to take “extra risks” as Johnson suggests, the franchise might find its next evolution.
Benoit Blanc and Future Horizons
Johnson made these comments while promoting Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The third installment in his murder mystery series has just reached massive audiences on Netflix. It features Daniel Craig returning as the eccentric detective Benoit Blanc.
The Knives Out franchise represents the antithesis of franchise fatigue.
Johnson reinvents the genre with each entry. He changes the cast, the setting, and the tone. This prevents the series from feeling stale or repetitive. It serves as a living proof of concept for his advice to Lucasfilm.
He continues to practice what he preaches.
Fans are now streaming the new mystery to see how Johnson has shaken up his own formula. Meanwhile, the debate over the future of Star Wars continues. Johnson may not be returning to the director’s chair in a galaxy far, far away anytime soon. But his warning about the dangers of creative fear remains relevant for every studio executive in Hollywood.
The ball is now in Lucasfilm’s court. They must decide whether to keep the kid gloves on or finally take the gloves off.
