Rian Johnson Breaks Silence on His Scrapped 'Star Wars' Trilogy: Just a Concept or Something More?

Published 07/14/2025, 12:35 AM EDT

A galaxy far, far away almost saw a bold new vision, one that never made it to the big screen but continues to spark curiosity among fans and filmmakers. Rian Johnson, known for his inventive approach to storytelling, once held the keys to the Star Wars universe’s future. Whispers of his scrapped trilogy have echoed in Hollywood, leaving many to wonder just how close audiences came to witnessing a radically different chapter in the saga.

Rian Johnson’s galaxy far, far away never got past the boarding gate, and now, at long last, he is serving the tea with a side of regret and artistic clarity.

Rian Johnson reveals the nature of his scrapped Star Wars trilogy

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Rian Johnson has finally broken his silence regarding the much-discussed but ultimately abandoned Star Wars trilogy. As per the recent interview with Rolling Stone, Johnson agreed that the project was “very conceptual,” noting that he and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy enjoyed brainstorming ideas for a three-film saga, but never produced an outline or treatment. “Nothing really happened with it,” Johnson said, emphasizing that while the collaboration was enjoyable, the trilogy never moved forward in any concrete way.

Rian Johnson’s affection for the Star Wars universe remains strong despite the project’s fate. Johnson expressed that he would be “sad” if he never directed another Star Wars film, highlighting his admiration for the franchise’s unique idea of storytelling within the space world. However, Johnson also acknowledged that he is pursuing his creative actions for now, leaving the door open for a possible return to Star Wars in the future if the opportunity arises.

‘Star Wars’ Enters a Fizzy New Galaxy With a $300 Billion Brand - Here’s What Fans Can Unlock

With Rian Johnson’s Star Wars ambitions paused, his creative journey took an unexpected detour. The next phase of Johnson’s career would be defined by a genre shift and a breakout hit that captured audiences worldwide.

Rian Johnson's shift to murder mystery and a new creative focus

After his Star Wars trilogy was put on hold, Rian Johnson’s attention shifted to a completely different cinematic scenery. The arrival of Knives Out marked a dramatic goodbye from space opera, as Johnson embraced the murder mystery genre with remarkable success. The film’s intricate plotting and sharp wit resonated with audiences, quickly establishing it as a modern classic and launching a new franchise of its own.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The overwhelming response to Knives Out not only refreshed the thriller genre with a beautiful commercial success, but also solidified Rian Johnson’s reputation as a versatile storyteller. As sequels and spin-offs gained momentum, Johnson’s focus naturally gravitated toward expanding the Knives Out universe. This shift ultimately left little room for the ambitious Star Wars project, demonstrating how the unpredictable nature of Hollywood can steer even the most visionary directors toward unexpected new adventures.

‘Star Wars’ Icon Hayden Christensen Gets Real About Returning as Anakin Skywalker in 'Ahsoka' season 2

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Would you have liked to see Rian Johnson’s conceptual Star Wars trilogy come to life? Let us know in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Soma Mitra

79 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK