Rumor: Rian Johnson Star Wars Trilogy Axed by Lucasfilm
A new rumor indicates Rian Johnson’s announced Star Wars trilogy has been axed by Lucasfilm.
The rumor comes from Twitter user iFixTrailers, who reports, “Rian Johnson will NO longer direct any Star Wars film. The decision has been discussed for some time since February 2018. Johnson hasn’t been notified yet due to Lucasfilm restructuring.”
BREAKING NEWS
Rian Johnson will NO longer direct any Star Wars film.
The decision has been discussed for some time since February 2018. Johnson hasn’t been notified yet due to Lucasfilm restructuring.
(continue) pic.twitter.com/z5OIMCUvjN
— 𝚃𝚑𝚎 ＰＡＯ 𝚁𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚘 𝙼𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚎 (@iFixTrailers) August 16, 2019
They add that the decision to axe Johnson’s Star Wars trilogy was due to the combination of “The Last Jedi aftershock, fans backlash & the strong connection w/ Solo flop.” They indicate this combination “put too many doubts in Lucasfilm and Bob Iger from a creative and PR standpoint.” (Related: Rumor: Rian Johnson’s New Star Wars Trilogy Scrapped)
My sources at Disney inform me the planned trilogy was supossed to enter pre-production last year but the TLJ aftershock, fans backlash & the strong connection w/ Solo flop put too many doubts in Lucasfilm and Bob Iger from a creative and PR standpoint.
— 𝚃𝚑𝚎 ＰＡＯ 𝚁𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚘 𝙼𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚎 (@iFixTrailers) August 16, 2019
They continue that “there’s actually no script no due casting process & no story set-up at this point.”
Even though RJ himself has admitted his trilogy IS happening, there’s actually no script no due casting process & no story set-up at this point.
Neither Lucasfilm nor Disney will make any official announcement before December but insider information has confirmed this decision.
— 𝚃𝚑𝚎 ＰＡＯ 𝚁𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚘 𝙼𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚎 (@iFixTrailers) August 16, 2019
Pundit John Campea previously indicated that Johnson’s trilogy had been scrapped back in May indicating that all of the newly announced Star Wars film dates were reserved for Game of Thrones TV show creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
Johnson had addressed previous rumors that his Star Wars trilogy was getting axed back in February. He stated, “No it isn’t true, I’m still working on the trilogy.” (Related: The Last Jedi Director Rian Johnson Debunks Rumor He Exited Planned Star Wars Trilogy)
Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy indicated the future of Star Wars seemed to be up in the air in an interview with EW in April. She told them, “We’re not just looking at what the next three movies might be, or talking about this in terms of a trilogy. We’re looking at: What is the next decade of storytelling?” She then noted that Benioff and Weiss would be working with Johnson, “As they finish Game of Thrones, they’re going to segue into Star Wars. They’re working very closely with Rian.”
When Benioff and Weiss were announced to create a series of Star Wars films, it was specified they would be separate from Rian Johnson’s announced trilogy.
Making matters even more complicated is a recent report from The Hollywood Reporter that indicates Benioff and Weiss are only attached to one Star Wars film instead of the previously announced “series” of films. Sources told THR, “The Thrones pair is writing a treatment for a Star Wars trilogy and is committed to penning at least one of the films.” (Related: Game of Thrones’ David Benioff and D.B. Weiss Might Only Be Attached to One Star Wars Film)
This report echoes what Disney CEO Bob Iger hinted at during the MoffetNathanson Media & Communications event. Iger noted the Game of Thrones would be doing the next film, but would not comment on anything further. He stated:
“We did a deal with David Benioff and D.B Weiss, who are famous for Game Of Thrones, and the next movie that we release will be theirs. And we’re not saying anything more about that.”
This rumor comes off a very negative Q3 financial report and investor’s call from Disney regarding their Star Wars franchise. The newly opened Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge theme park at Disneyland had low attendance, merchandise sales were down, and Solo: A Star Wars Story was notably confirmed to be a stinker.
As I’ve pointed out numerous times, Disney and Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi was horrendous for the Star Wars brand. It turned hardcore, dedicated fans against the franchise as they saw the complete and utter destruction of numerous old school trilogy characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Admiral Ackbar. Not only did the film destroy these characters, but it also brought about a wave of attacks from Star Wars creators like Rian Johnson against the fans who expressed their displeasure. (Related: Rian Johnson and John Boyega Attack Star Wars Fans and Consumers At Their Own Risk!)
What do you make of this rumor? Do you think Disney and Lucasfilm will drop the axe on Rian Johnson? Or do you think they will double down and continue with Johnson’s announced trilogy?
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