Hiring Rian Johnson to write and direct Star Wars: Episode VIII -- now more popularly known as Star Wars: The Last Jedi -- was a move that went well-received by movie fans. Johnson is a solid filmmaker known for his interesting, original movies like Looper, Brick, and The Brothers Bloom, so nailing a high-profile tentpole like Star Wars was a major get for him. Now he's developing his own completely original Star Wars trilogy, but what does that mean for any of his other movie ideas? According to Johnson, he's hoping that he can find a way to balance Star Wars and his own projects.
Yeah, that's what I'm working on. That's what I'm planning right now is the, 'cause I do have a couple of well-developed ideas, movies in my head that I had before this came around that I need to find time to do. And whether that means squeezing one in before the next trilogy starts or what have you. I think it's gonna be really important to do that. I also though, I don't know, it's strange, and I know you didn't mean it this way, but it's in my head that there's no separation between the idea of doing that and the idea of like my film.
Directing even one Star Wars film is a huge commitment, taking up at least two years of a person's life, so imagine how long it would take to work on three in a row. Rian Johnson is developing his own Star Wars trilogy apart from the Skywalkers and other recognizable characters. And while we don't know if Johnson plans to direct all three movies, that's still a huge commitment. Johnson will likely be spending the next several years working on these Star Wars movies, which doesn't leave much time for his own non-Star Wars projects. Like other blockbuster filmmakers before him, it'll be about finding the right balance.
Talking to /Film, Rian Johnson revealed that he does have a couple "well-developed" ideas for movies before Star Wars came knocking on his door. He'd like to find time to make those, but it all comes down to proper scheduling. Johnson could possibly find the opportunity to make one of these ideas before he has to begin work on the new Star Wars trilogy. After working on a huge blockbuster like The Last Jedi, one wouldn't blame Johnson if he wanted to refresh his batteries by working on something with relatively lower stakes.
Whatever, Rian Johnson decides to do, you can bet that we'll be watching. We need more movies like Brick in this world. Star Wars: The Last Jedi arrives in theaters in less than ONE WEEK on December 15. Make sure to pre-order your tickets while you still can. In the meantime, here's what we know so far about the anticipated sequel.
