Rian Johnson Denies Being 'Spooked' by Star Wars Fans

Rian Johnson has publicly denied being intimidated by the online negativity surrounding "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." In response to comments made by outgoing Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, Johnson tweeted that he was "zero spooked" by the fan reactions. Kennedy had praised the director's work on the film, suggesting that he was unnerved by the strong opinions expressed by some fans.

Kennedy lauded Johnson as a "brilliant filmmaker" and stated that "Rian made one of the best 'Star Wars' movies." She noted that filmmakers entering the Star Wars universe often express apprehension about potential fan responses. However, Johnson's clear assertion on social media refutes this notion, emphasizing his resilience to criticism.

Johnson, who was slated to write and direct his own Star Wars trilogy following "The Last Jedi," previously expressed his intent to challenge audience expectations. He acknowledged that fan pushback was an expected part of the process, and he did not shy away from creating a film that might provoke strong reactions. He believes that challenging the franchise's conventions is vital for its artistic integrity and engagement.