Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi director, Rian Johnson, recently explained why he still loves Star Wars fans despite backlash to his film. Two years after J. J. Abrams led the return of Star Wars to the big screen with 2015's Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, Johnson wrote and directed its controversial follow-up, The Last Jedi. Set immediately after the events of Abrams' film, The Last Jedi finds the Resistance on the run from the First Order after the destruction of Starkiller Base, a major blow against the tyrannical rogue military. Although Johnson's Star Wars entry was generally praised by critics, audiences were decidedly split with their reception, with much of the audience taking to social media to express their passionate opinions.
In a recent interview with Insider, Johnson explained why he still loves Star Wars fans despite the fervent backlash against The Last Jedi. When asked if it would be the end of the world if he did not return to Star Wars, the director admitted that he would be "sad" but also thought "It wouldn't be the end of the world for anyone, I think." However, Johnson shared that he still loves Star Wars fans and the "passion" they bring to the long-running franchise. Read more of what Johnson said below:
"I love the world. I love the people. I love 'Star Wars' fans. I love the passion of how they engage in it, there's nothing like telling a story in this world and then experiencing people truly connecting to it and letting you know that. It's extraordinary. So I'm hoping I get to do it again, but nothing is the end of the world until the end of the world actually happens, which, what day of the week is it?"
Why Star Wars: The Last Jedi Was So Controversial
To this day, Star Wars fans continue to discuss and debate the perceived positives and negatives of The Last Jedi. Arguments over the purpose of the Canto Bight plot line, the effectiveness of Admiral Holdo (Laura Dern) as a leader, the mechanics of the slow hyperspace chase, or the direction Johnson took Luke Skywalker (Mark Hammil) still fills the various forums and Reddit subs five years after the fact. Although many agree the various ideas and themes Johnson attempted to illustrate in the film were bold and commendable, the quality of their execution finds itself at the center of the discourse.
Although the conclusion of The Force Awakens was succinct regarding its main First Order plot line, however, the film left many questions unanswered. One key question that remains at crux of the backlash is the reason behind Luke's self-appointed exile. Through the use of flashbacks, The Last Jedi explains that Luke sensed darkness in Ben Solo (Adam Driver), learned that he had already turned to the Dark Side, and ignited his lightsaber to kill his sleeping nephew. However, that moment of weakness led to the death of his pupils, the birth of Kylo Ren, and through his guilt, exile on Ahch-To. Many fans believe that Luke's actions were out of character as the original Star Wars trilogy had shown the lengths he would go to save his friends despite knowing the pain to come (as seen in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back), or the fact that Luke nearly sacrificed himself to save his father in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi. However, other fans find Johnson's explanation for Luke's exile sufficient, as any human can have moments of weakness, as seen in Return of the Jedi when Luke briefly embraced his anger when Darth Vader threatened Leia (Carrie Fisher).
Last Jedi's Backlash Shouldn't Change Rian Johnson's Trilogy Plans
Despite the vocal, and at times toxic, backlash toward Johnson, his recent comments indicates that he still wishes to be a part of the Star Wars community and work in the Star Wars franchise. The director also stated that he loves Star Wars even more now after the experience he had with The Last Jedi. Johnson was previously given the greenlight to produce his own trilogy of films in the Star Wars universe, however he is also open to a Star Wars television series if given the chance. Perhaps if The Last Jedi director was given a chance to expand the science-fiction fantasy's vast universe without the weight of expectations of what came before, his penchant to challenge what the audience knows and subvert their expectations will be more welcomed.
Source: Insider