Rian Johnson Says He’s “Even More Proud” of The Last Jedi—and He Has Some Fun Talking About It
Five years after the Star Wars sequel hit theaters, director Rian Johnson admits that the film still makes his heart race. The 48‑year‑old, known for Knives Out, shared his thoughts in an interview with Empire, fishing out the hidden gems that only a few can truly appreciate.
“I Was Basically Swinging the Bat All the Way!”
When Rian was scrolling through the credits, he didn’t just nod and smile; he flexed his creative muscles. “I’m even more proud of it five years on. When I was up at bat, I really swung at the ball,” he chuckled, revealing that the movie had been his personal home run. He didn’t just shoot frames—he faced the universe with gusto.
Star Wars: The Myth You Didn’t Know You Needed
Rian’s brain was wired to a different kind of hero—one that doesn’t just light up a galaxy but also lights up our souls. He reckoned,
- “Trying to tackle Star Wars feels like flipping a family recipe. We all grew up on that mythical stew of lightsabers and destiny.”
- “The real goal isn’t to do a slick flip‑flop. It’s to uncover the epic core of the myth—like the secret sauce in an all‑American barbecue.”
- “Ultimately, I hope the film reminds everyone of the enduring magic of the Star Wars legend.”
Luke’s Final Bow: From Death to Inspiration
The closing chapter of The Last Jedi watched the iconic Mark Hamill’s character, Luke Skywalker, cross the stars—and die. Rian said the final frames aren’t about tearing apart the myth. “They’re building it, and he’s stepping into that big, bold bucket of legend.” The alien salutes? He’s saying “bye, past” but keeps the next generation’s dreams firing bright.
Stripping It Down to What Matters
Rian believes that if you have to strip away parts, it should be to uncover the essential truth of an iconic story. “I love getting rid of the fluff so I can find what really really matters—yeah, it’s a thrilling way to connect.”
In short: Five years later, Rian Johnson feels that The Last Jedi is his proudest moment of blazing a trail down the mythic path. When you’re in this line of work, you must first fire a bat, hit the target, and then, with a smile, pat your own back.
