In 2017, Lucasfilm announced that Rian Johnson, the director behind Star Wars: The Last Jedi, would helm a new Star Wars trilogy, promising a fresh narrative separate from the Skywalker saga, exploring new characters and corners of the galaxy. The project generated significant buzz due to Johnson’s distinctive storytelling, but updates have been sparse, leaving fans curious about its progress. In a recent interview with The Independent, Johnson shared new insights into the status of his planned Star Wars trilogy, offering a candid reflection on his current priorities while reaffirming his enthusiasm for the Star Wars universe.
Johnson’s Star Wars trilogy was initially unveiled as a bold new chapter for the franchise, promising a fresh narrative distinct from the Skywalker saga. The announcement sparked excitement among fans, given Johnson’s distinctive storytelling style showcased in The Last Jedi, which polarized audiences but earned critical praise for its bold narrative choices. However, in the years since, updates on the trilogy have been scarce, leading to questions about its future.
In the interview, conducted in the context of promoting his acclaimed series Poker Face starring Natasha Lyonne, Johnson clarified his current focus while leaving the door open for a Star Wars return. “I mean, I kind of went down the murder mystery rabbit hole – I’m focused on making other stuff. But that wouldn’t rule out it happening down the line. If I get back in the Star Wars universe someday, I’d be the happiest person,” Johnson said. This statement underscores his immersion in other creative endeavors, particularly in the mystery genre, while maintaining an optimistic outlook on potentially revisiting the galaxy far, far away.
Johnson’s recent work has leaned heavily into the murder mystery format, with Poker Face earning accolades for its clever storytelling and Lyonne’s captivating performance. His earlier successes, including the Knives Out series, have solidified his reputation as a master of intricate, character-driven narratives. This shift in focus has fueled speculation that the Star Wars trilogy may have been sidelined. However, Johnson’s comments suggest that the project remains a possibility, albeit not an immediate priority.
The Star Wars franchise itself is navigating a dynamic period with several confirmed films in development. These include The Mandalorian & Grogu, set for release on May 22, 2026, directed by Jon Favreau, which will bring the beloved Disney+ series to the big screen. Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is slated for May 28, 2027, and is set five years after The Rise of Skywalker. A new trilogy by Simon Kinberg is also in the works, though its timeline and connection to the Skywalker saga remain unclear.
Additionally, Dawn of the Jedi, directed by James Mangold, will explore the origins of the Jedi 25,000 years before A New Hope, and New Jedi Order, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, will follow Rey rebuilding the Jedi Order 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker. Taika Waititi’s untitled Star Wars film, co-written with Krysty Wilson-Cairns, remains in development but lacks a set release date. Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron and a Lando film written by Donald and Stephen Glover are also confirmed but lower priorities, with no firm timelines.
Despite the uncertainty, Johnson’s passion for Star Wars remains evident. His work on The Last Jedi introduced bold narrative elements, such as the exploration of Luke Skywalker’s inner conflict and the democratization of the Force, which sparked both admiration and debate. Fans eager for his trilogy hope it will deliver a similarly innovative take, potentially exploring uncharted corners of the Star Wars universe.
For now, Johnson’s focus remains on projects like Poker Face and future Knives Out installments. Yet his comments offer a glimmer of hope for Star Wars enthusiasts. The possibility of his return to the franchise, coupled with his expressed joy at the prospect, suggests that the trilogy could still materialize in the future.
As Lucasfilm continues to shape the next era of Star Wars, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Johnson’s career, awaiting any signs that he might once again bring his unique vision to the iconic franchise. For now, his words serve as a reminder of the enduring allure of Star Wars and the creative potential it holds for storytellers like him.
