Last Updated on August 2, 2021
While everyone was all Comic Con crazy this past Saturday, Rian Johnson made an appearance via webcam on a live podcast recording of the show Filmspotting. J.J. and crew are busting their asses to make sure they reach their December 18 release date next year, and it seems Disney/Lucasfilm don't don’t want their next to seem rushed, as Johnson is well into pre-production on STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII. Questions about his upcoming writing/directorial gig were inevitable and he did have a few things to say.
To start off with the most obvious of statements:
I’m really excited about all the things I can’t tell you.
On why he wanted to write and direct Star Wars:
The thought of it made me so completely joyfully happy. I wanted to to play in this world, of literally the first movie my dad put me in the car to see.
Regarding how he got the job:
I can only assume it was a clerical error, like in the movie BRAZIL. There’s a Brian Johnson out there who is really mad.
A somewhat surprisingly diplomatic view on the prequels:
There was something really beautiful about the prequels.
His plans on creating new Star Wars films:
With these films, I am trying to harken back to the original STAR WARS . . . Christmas special. We do have Jefferson Starship.
It may be a little too early to start getting excited about Episode VIII, but I can't help but feel that Disney/Lucasfilm have chosen the right people in regards to the cast and crew. The Star Wars franchise is quickly becoming reminiscent of Marvel's strategy (if the main SW flicks are the Avengers of the series). I'm excited for the opportunity for a lot of filmmakers to play in this galaxy far, far away. Rian Johnson is an especially inspired choice and I look forward to what he and J.J. Abrams will bring us.
STAR WARS: EPISODE VII will hit theaters December 18, 2015.
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