**Rian Johnson Hints at Potential Return to Star Wars Universe**
Renowned filmmaker Rian Johnson, best known to many for his divisive but bold take on the Star Wars saga, has publicly expressed a continued interest in returning to the much-loved galactic franchise. The director, aged 51, first ventured into the Star Wars universe with 2017’s ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi,’ a film that spurred both praise and criticism among fans for its ambitious narrative choices and direction.
Since his Star Wars outing, Johnson has shifted his creative energies towards the ‘Knives Out’ series, a line of modern murder mysteries that have proven widely successful. The first instalment, starring Daniel Craig as the enigmatic detective Benoit Blanc, debuted in 2019 and was followed by the equally lauded ‘Glass Onion.’ Now, with a third film on the way – ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ – Johnson shows no signs of stepping away from the crime genre. Yet, the pull of Star Wars appears as strong as ever.
When questioned by The Independent about whether he would ever consider making more Star Wars films, Johnson responded candidly, “I’m focused on making other stuff. But that wouldn’t rule out it happening down the line. If I get back in the Star Wars universe someday, I’d be the happiest person.” His words suggest a director with unfinished business, or at least lingering affection for the star-studded franchise.
Back in 2017, it was announced that Johnson had been tapped to lead a new Star Wars trilogy, although subsequent details about this ambitious project have been scarce. With the Star Wars franchise continually evolving at Disney, speculation around Johnson’s potential return has persisted, though nothing has progressed to production so far.
In the meantime, Johnson remains busy, currently helming the set of ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.’ The upcoming film, anticipated for release later in 2025 on Netflix, will bring Daniel Craig back to his role as Benoit Blanc. The cast further boasts notable names such as Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, Cailee Spaeny, Glenn Close, and Andrew Scott, adding significant star power to the latest whodunit.
Looking ahead, Johnson has revealed he is open to continuing the Knives Out franchise for as long as the stories excite him and as long as Craig is willing to reprise his role. “As long as Daniel still wants to keep doing it and as long as we have an idea that, to us, feels genuinely exciting and scary,” Johnson noted in an interview with Collider. “I love the genre. It’s endlessly malleable, and so it holds endless possibilities.”
Despite his enthusiasm, Johnson admits he is also considering a creative pause from mysteries. The director revealed that his next project may stray from the whodunit formula, hinting at writing something entirely original. After completing three Knives Out films consecutively, Johnson appears keen to explore fresh narrative territory, ensuring that his work remains invigorating both for audiences and himself.
Interestingly, Johnson set his latest Knives Out film apart from its predecessors, describing ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ as “so different” from ‘Glass Onion’ that the distinction is “like night and day.” This determination to keep pushing creative boundaries mirrors the daring spirit he brought to Star Wars, underlining why he remains a compelling candidate for a possible return.
As the Star Wars creative landscape continues to evolve, fans and industry insiders alike are left to wonder whether Johnson will receive another opportunity to guide the iconic saga’s future. For now, his plate is full with Knives Out adventures – but, by his own admission, a return to that galaxy far, far away may one day be in the stars.
The ongoing relationship between filmmakers and major franchises often shapes the direction of modern cinema, and Johnson’s candidness hints at exciting possibilities yet to come. Whether pursuing mystery or returning to science fiction, the director’s passion for storytelling remains evident, promising more cinematic surprises for audiences around the globe.