Rian Johnson expressed excitement about fresh voices shaping the future of Star Wars following Kathleen Kennedy's exit from Lucasfilm. The director, known for The Last Jedi, shared his thoughts during an interview at the Sundance Film Festival. Kennedy, who led the franchise for 14 years, is being replaced by Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan.
Rian Johnson, director of the 2017 film Star Wars: The Last Jedi, voiced optimism about the Star Wars franchise's direction as Kathleen Kennedy steps down from her role as president of Lucasfilm. Kennedy, handpicked by George Lucas 14 years ago, announced her departure earlier this month and will be succeeded by Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan.
Speaking at the Variety Studio presented by Audible during the Sundance Film Festival, where he served as executive producer on the upcoming film The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, Johnson reflected on Kennedy's tenure. "I love Kathy. I am excited now to see what she does next," he said. As a longtime Star Wars fan, Johnson emphasized his enthusiasm for innovation in the series: "the most exciting thing for me is always seeing when they bring in fresh voices and fresh filmmakers to come in and tell new stories in that world. That’s what I am looking forward to seeing more happen."
Johnson fondly recalled his experience directing The Last Jedi, stating, "I had the time of my life doing it. I am now an even bigger ‘Star Wars’ fan than I was when going into it. I would feel blessed if that were to ever happen [again]." After that film, he was slated to develop a new Star Wars trilogy, but the project stalled as he focused on his Knives Out series.
Kelly Marie Tran, who portrayed Rose Tico in The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, also attended Sundance to promote her new movie Rock Springs. She described Kennedy's exit as "such a loss," praising her predecessor's historic leadership: "She’s had such an incredible career... To have someone who is not just a woman but who is so capable in that role for so long, and it’s historic. I think that it’s such a loss, but I am very happy for all the life changes she is making."
In a recent exit interview with Deadline, Kennedy attributed Johnson's departure from the trilogy to the demands of Knives Out and suggested he was "a little scared" by fan backlash to The Last Jedi. Johnson refuted this on X, posting: "Lol zero spooked, sorry."
