RIAN JOHNSON'S STAR WARS TRILOGY: STATUS UPDATE

In 2017, Lucasfilm made a significant announcement: Rian Johnson, known for his success with ‘Looper’ in 2012 and critically acclaimed indie productions, would be developing a brand-new Star Wars trilogy. This news came six weeks before the release of ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi,’ which Johnson directed and wrote. The timing of this announcement was notable, as it preceded the mixed reception that ‘The Last Jedi’ would ultimately receive.

Johnson’s involvement in the Star Wars universe began with ‘The Last Jedi,’ a film that garnered critical acclaim but also faced significant backlash from some fans. This divided reaction marked the beginning of a trend where Lucasfilm began deviating from previously announced plans for various projects. The mixed reception to ‘The Last Jedi’ complicated Johnson’s future with the franchise and set the stage for uncertainty surrounding his proposed trilogy.

Despite the passage of nearly seven years since the initial announcement, neither Johnson nor Lucasfilm has officially confirmed the cancellation of this project. However, updates have been scarce, leaving fans to speculate about its status. The situation with Johnson’s trilogy is not unique in the recent history of Star Wars productions. Other high-profile filmmakers have seen their Star Wars projects either stalled or abandoned. Colin Trevorrow’s ‘Episode IX’ was scrapped, Patty Jenkins’ ‘Rogue Squadron’ was put on hold, and the ‘Game of Thrones’ co-creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss departed from their planned trilogy.

Despite these setbacks, Johnson’s trilogy remains technically alive. Both Johnson and Lucasfilm maintain that it is merely a matter of finding the right timing. Johnson’s recent success with the ‘Knives Out’ franchise on Netflix has kept him busy, which may contribute to the delay in moving forward with his Star Wars projects.

As of December 2022, Johnson expressed his feelings about the project’s uncertain status, stating, “It wouldn’t be the end of the world for anyone, I think. But I would be sad. I love the world. I love the people. I love Star Wars fans. I love the passion of how they engage in it.” This quote reflects Johnson’s continued enthusiasm for the Star Wars universe, even as the future of his trilogy remains unclear.

The status of Johnson’s trilogy continues to be a topic of interest among Star Wars fans, who are eager for any updates on the future of the franchise. While the project hasn’t been officially cancelled, the lack of concrete progress and the shifting landscape of Star Wars productions leave its future uncertain. As with many aspects of the Star Wars universe, only time will tell if Johnson’s vision for a new trilogy will eventually come to fruition.

Filipino Translation:

Noong 2017, nag-announce ang Lucasfilm ng malaking balita: si Rian Johnson, na kilala sa success niya sa ‘Looper’ noong 2012 at mga indie films na pinuri ng mga critics, ay gagawa ng bagong Star Wars trilogy. Lumabas ‘tong balita anim na linggo bago ang release ng ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi,’ na siya ang direktor at writer. Medyo notable ‘yung timing kasi nangyari ‘to bago pa lumabas ‘yung mixed reception na nakuha ng ‘The Last Jedi.’

Nagsimula ang involvement ni Johnson sa Star Wars universe through ‘The Last Jedi,’ kung saan ang daming nangpuri pero may significant backlash din mula sa ibang fans. Itong divided reaction na 'to ang parang nag-set ng trend na Lucasfilm nagsimulang mag-deviate sa plans nila for other projects. 'Yung mixed reception sa ‘The Last Jedi’ naging dahilan para maging komplikado ‘yung future ni Johnson sa franchise at nagpataas ng uncertainty tungkol sa proposed trilogy niya.

Kahit halos pitong taon na ang lumipas mula nung unang announcement, wala pa rin official confirmation sina Johnson or Lucasfilm na cancelled na ang project. Pero, halos walang updates na, kaya tuloy naghuhula na lang ang mga fans tungkol sa status nito. Actually, hindi unique ‘tong situation with Johnson’s trilogy sa recent history ng Star Wars productions. Iba pang well-known filmmakers tulad ni Colin Trevorrow, 'yung supposed to direct ‘Episode IX,’ ay na-scrap ang project. Ganun din si Patty Jenkins, 'yung ‘Rogue Squadron’ niya ay na-hold, pati na rin 'yung planned trilogy ng ‘Game of Thrones’ co-creators na sina David Benioff at D.B. Weiss.

Kahit na may mga setback na ganito, technically buhay pa rin ang trilogy ni Johnson. Si Johnson at Lucasfilm pareho nilang sinasabi na timing na lang ang issue. Si Johnson kasi busy din lately dahil sa success niya with the ‘Knives Out’ series sa Netflix, kaya siguro na-de-delay ang Star Wars projects niya.

By December 2022, si Johnson mismo nagsabi ng mga saloobin niya tungkol sa uncertain status ng project, at sinabi niya na, “It wouldn’t be the end of the world for anyone, I think. But I would be sad. I love the world. I love the people. I love Star Wars fans. I love the passion of how they engage in it.” Kitang-kita pa rin dito ‘yung enthusiasm niya for the Star Wars universe kahit na unclear pa ang future ng trilogy niya.

Ang status ng trilogy ni Johnson nananatiling mainit na topic sa mga Star Wars fans na eager makakuha ng updates tungkol sa future ng franchise. Kahit hindi pa siya officially cancelled, 'yung kawalan ng concrete progress at ang shifting landscape ng Star Wars productions naglalagay ng uncertainty sa future nito. Gaya ng ibang aspeto ng Star Wars, panahon na lang ang makakapagsabi kung matutuloy ba ang vision ni Johnson para sa bagong trilogy.

What Happened to Rian Johnson’s Star Wars Trilogy? was first published here.