Why Was Rian Johnson Given Directorial and Creative Control for 'The Last Jedi'? The Role of a New Director in Star Wars

When it comes to directing films in the Star Wars franchise, the power dynamic has shifted over the years. Traditionally, the creative control belonged to either someone like George Lucas or, in the case of more recent films, the creative team behind Marvel Studios. However, for 'The Last Jedi,' a different approach was taken with Rian Johnson. His involvement provides an intriguing case study of how a relatively lesser-known director was given significant creative control over a major franchise.

The Context of Directorial and Creative Control

The director of a film typically holds the most creative control over the project. In the case of most Hollywood productions, this control is substantial. However, when it comes to larger franchises, additional control can be exerted by the studio executives, creative team, or the overall series continuity. For instance, at Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige and his team maintain a strong grip on creative control across the board, making decisions that ensure consistency and thematic coherence within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The Transition at Lucasfilm

Lucasfilm, the studio behind Star Wars, has had a somewhat different approach over the years. Formerly, George Lucas held significant creative control over the films he directed, shaping the narrative and universe in a way that aligned with his vision. However, with the passing of The Force, the creative landscape at Lucasfilm transformed. Kathleen Kennedy became the president of Lucasfilm, leading a change in how the franchise was approached and managed.

Kathleen Kennedy's background is rooted in supporting and working with another visionary—notably Steven Spielberg. As a producer, her focus has been on the execution of projects rather than the creative direction. This background influenced her approach to 'The Last Jedi.'

Why Rian Johnson?

Despite her lack of deep personal attachment to the Star Wars franchise, Kathleen Kennedy recognized the potential of Rian Johnson. He was hired both to write and direct 'The Last Jedi,' positioning him as the director for the film. One of the critical factors in Kennedy's decision to entrust Johnson with such control was his compelling screenplay. His earlier work, particularly 'Brick,' demonstrated a unique storytelling style that could offer a fresh perspective on the classic Star Wars narrative.

In a substantial sense, Johnson did not disappoint. Despite working within what the review calls a "shoddy setup" (originally crafted by JJ Abrams), his direction on 'The Last Jedi' received critical acclaim. The film's blend of humor, action, and emotional depth resonated with many viewers, marking it as one of the most critically acclaimed films in the saga.

The Impact and Challenges

Johnson's creative freedom came with a significant responsibility. As the director, he was tasked with bridging the gap between the original 'Star Wars' trilogy and the new characters introduced in the sequel trilogy. The transition of legend characters like Han Solo and Luke Skywalker was a crucial task, and Johnson approached it with a mission to introduce an era of storytelling grounded in fresh perspectives and new direction. However, the film's reception revealed a mix of praise and criticism, particularly regarding its handling of the story's end and the implications of certain plot points.

Transition and Restructuring

One of the key challenges faced by Johnson and the 'The Last Jedi' team was the need to restructure the narrative for the final film in the trilogy, Episode 9. The removal of Snoke, the new villain, at the end of Episode 8 led to a scrambling to build a narrative arc that would culminate in the fight against the well-known villain of Emperor Palpatine. This restructuring was necessary to address the pacing and storylines that Johnson had envisioned and possibly missed in his original vision.

Johnson's approach to storytelling, while innovative and intriguing, sometimes transcended the established lore and world-building found in the Star Wars universe. His focus on character-driven narrative often meant that deep world-building elements were secondary, which can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provided a fresh, accessible perspective that resonated with new generations of fans. On the other hand, it sometimes led to criticisms of inconsistency and potential story holes.

Conclusion

The decision to give Rian Johnson creative control over 'The Last Jedi' marked a significant shift in how the Star Wars franchise was approached. His unique vision, enhanced by the supportive environment created by Kathleen Kennedy and the Lucasfilm story group, produced a film that was widely praised and disliked, but ultimately it set a new direction for the series. While the challenges and controversies surrounding the film are well-documented, Johnson's ability to creatively reinterpret and evolve the iconic Star Wars narrative cannot be understated.