Rian Johnson Fires Back at Kathleen Kennedy's 'Spooked' Claims

Director Rian Johnson has publicly pushed back against former Lucasfilm executive Kathleen Kennedy's recent assertion that online backlash drove him away from Star Wars projects. Kennedy, who concluded her 14-year run leading the franchise last week, claimed Johnson became intimidated by internet criticism following The Last Jedi's polarizing reception.

"I do believe he got spooked by the online negativity. I think Rian made one of the best Star Wars movies. He's a brilliant filmmaker and he got spooked. This is the rough part. When people come into this space, I have every filmmaker and actors say to me, 'What's going to happen?' They're a little scared," Kennedy stated during her departure interview.

Director's Blunt Response

Johnson wasted no time addressing Kennedy's characterization on social media. His response was brief but definitive: "lol zero spooked, sorry."

The filmmaker's tweet immediately reignited passionate discussions among Star Wars enthusiasts. Supporters rallied behind Johnson's work, with one fan writing, "They should have given you all three films." Another added praise: "Your Star Wars was the best of the sequel trilogy. By far. Loved it very much."

Divided Fanbase Remains Vocal

Critics weren't silent either. Some users maintained their stance that Johnson "ruined Star Wars" and declared they're "still waiting for an apology." The exchange demonstrated how divisive opinions about The Last Jedi remain nearly a decade after its 2017 release.

Professional critics had a different take. The film received five-star reviews from major outlets, with praise for being "an excellent middle chapter bursting with wit, wisdom, emotion, shocks, old-fashioned derring-do, state-of-the-art tech, and stonking set-pieces."

Career Pivot Explained

Johnson was originally slated to helm an entire Star Wars trilogy but shifted focus to other ventures, including his successful Knives Out detective series and the television project Poker Face. He explained his career direction last year: "I mean, I kind of went down the murder mystery rabbit hole – I'm focused on making other stuff."

The director left the door open for future Star Wars involvement, saying, "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."

Meanwhile, the franchise moves forward with The Mandalorian and Grogu hitting theaters May 22, followed by Star Wars: Starfighter in 2027, featuring Ryan Gosling, Matt Smith, and Mia Goth.