The online backlash has had a chilling effect on Star Wars' creative future. In a recent interview, Lucasfilm's outgoing president, Kathleen Kennedy, revealed that the intense online negativity surrounding Star Wars: The Last Jedi put off its director, Rian Johnson, from continuing his work on the franchise.
Kennedy's departure interview shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics, suggesting that Johnson's initial enthusiasm for creating his own Star Wars trilogy was dampened by the harsh online response to The Last Jedi. This admission contradicts previous narratives, which attributed Johnson's departure to his busy schedule with the Knives Out film series.
"The online negativity was a real eye-opener for Rian," Kennedy explained. "He's an incredibly talented filmmaker, and I believe he delivered one of the best Star Wars movies. But the backlash took its toll. When creators enter this world, they often express fear and uncertainty about the potential backlash. It's a challenging environment."
Johnson's intention with The Last Jedi was to challenge fan expectations and avoid the 'kid glove' treatment that some other Disney Star Wars films have been accused of. He wanted to create something that would shake things up, but the negative online reaction seems to have had a chilling effect on his future involvement with the franchise.
As time has passed, it has become evident that Johnson's planned Star Wars trilogy will likely remain just that - a plan. With numerous other Star Wars projects facing delays or cancellations, the future of the franchise is uncertain.
Kennedy's legacy at Lucasfilm includes two upcoming Star Wars films: The Mandalorian and Grogu, a spin-off from the popular Disney+ series, and the standalone Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling. She also mentioned the abandoned plans for a Ben Solo movie, starring Adam Driver, leaving the door open for future possibilities if someone is willing to take a risk.
The online negativity surrounding Star Wars films has become a controversial topic, with some arguing that it stifles creativity and discourages filmmakers from taking risks. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think the online community's reaction to The Last Jedi was justified, or did it go too far? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
