'Star Wars' updates: 'The Last Jedi' director to launch an all-new trilogy without Skywalkers
There are only a few weeks left before "Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi" hits theaters, and fans of George Lucas' original creation are interested to see how the film's director, Rian Johnson, will spin this new entry in the franchise. The public could not make a judgment this early, although Disney may have already seen a lot of potential in Johnson's work. In fact, the company announced that Johnson is set to release an all-new trilogy in the "Star Wars" series.
As reported by The Verge, Disney revealed that "The Last Jedi" director will be launching another trilogy in the "Star Wars" franchise, and unlike the first two sets of films, the new one will be created outside the Skywalker legacy. Fans are expected to witness a different side of the Force, as the new trilogy covers a distant location in the galaxy that the previous films have yet to visit, as well as new characters. Johnson is set to write and direct the first part of the new trilogy, while Ram Bergman will be the one producing the three movies.
Lucasfilm, which made a partnership with Disney to spawn the current "Star Wars" trilogy starting with 2015's "The Force Awakens," appears to welcome Johnson's assignment as the man in charge of the new movies. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy gave praises to Johnson, expressing her confidence on the director with how he has made "The Last Jedi" over the past several months.
"We all loved working with Rian on 'The Last Jedi'... He's a creative force, and watching him craft 'The Last Jedi' from start to finish was one of the great joys of my career. Rian will do amazing things with the blank canvas of this new trilogy," Kennedy said.
Prior to Disney's announcement, Johnson was already rumored to take another "Star Wars" movie after his stint with "The Last Jedi." Colin Trevorrow, who was initially tasked to direct the untitled "Star Wars Episode IX" movie, has quit the job, leading others to believe that Johnson would take over the directorial seat. Ultimately, the job was passed on to J.J. Abrams, who first directed "The Force Awakens."
In Johnson's recent tweet, the director was seemingly grateful to do a new set of "Star Wars" movies, although the pressure is still present especially since Johnson has yet to see the fans' reception on "The Last Jedi."
Obviously I hope you like The Last Jedi. But man now I REALLY hope you like The Last Jedi.
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) November 9, 2017
"Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi" will be released in theaters worldwide on Dec. 15.
