So, you know how sometimes the internet, bless its heart, can be a bit of a… dumpster fire, especially when it comes to beloved franchises? I’m talking about the kind of passionate, sometimes vitriolic, fan reactions that make you wonder if people have forgotten how to just enjoy things. Well, Rian Johnson has been through that particular wringer, and then some. Specifically, with Star Wars: The Last Jedi. And here’s the kicker, the man actually came out on the other side saying he loves the fandom even more now. Seriously. My jaw dropped a little when I read that.

This isn’t some PR spin, honestly. Johnson, speaking at the Newport Beach Film Festival, spilled the beans a bit on his journey, discussing everything from his Netflix hits to those earlier, often divisive, features. It’s rare, I think, to hear a filmmaker articulate such a positive, almost zen, outlook after experiencing what he did with arguably the most scrutinized movie of the past decade. It makes you wonder, doesn’t it, what kind of magic-bullet perspective he’s got.

The Jedi Aftermath – An Unlikely Love Story

You remember The Last Jedi, right? Of course you do. For many, myself included, it was a breath of fresh air in a galaxy far, far away, daring to shake up conventions, inject some much-needed moral ambiguity, and pivot from the comfort of predictable sequel territory. For others, well, it was basically heresy. The internet polarized, lines were drawn, and if you dared express an opinion either way, you were probably in for a long comment-section battle. It was intense, to say the least.

Finding Peace in the Fandom Storm

Now, you might think a director would just want to run for the hills, maybe change his name and direct a quiet indie film about basket weaving after that kind of reception. But Johnson? He’s all like, “Nah, I’m good.” He actually found a deeper appreciation for the passion. Which, honestly, is kind of wild. It suggests a certain resilience, a thick skin, sure, but also a genuine understanding of what makes these stories resonate with people enough to argue about them for years. It’s not just about the movie, it’s about what Star Wars represents for folks, you know?

• Point: The intensity of fan reaction, even negative, validates the cultural impact of storytelling.
• Insight: Johnson’s perspective shifts the narrative from “blame the fans” to “understand the passion.” It’s less about the internet being mean, more about people really caring.

Detective Blanc and the Whodunit Renaissance

Moving on from hyperspace woes, Johnson pivoted masterfully – and profitably – to the world of Benoit Blanc. Talk about a glow-up! Knives Out became this massive, unexpected success, and Glass Onion solidified that. He basically single-handedly revived the classic whodunit for a whole new generation, and made it feel fresh and exciting, not just a nostalgic rehash. It’s a testament to his versatility, that he can go from epic space opera to intricate murder mystery without missing a beat.

The Secret Sauce of Benoit Blanc

What makes these films so addictive? Well, obviously Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc is a huge part. He’s this delightful, brilliant, eccentric Southern detective, almost like Hercule Poirot if Poirot had a penchant for truly fabulous outfits and philosophical pondering. But it’s also Johnson’s knack for twisting conventions. We think we know the rules of a whodunit, and then he just… flips them. He respects the genre but isn’t afraid to play around with its structure.

• Point: The Knives Out films aren’t just mysteries, they’re smart social commentaries wrapped in a fun package.
• Insight: Johnson understands that modern audiences want more than just a puzzle, they want characters they connect with and a little something to say about the world we live in.

“I came out the other end of it loving the Star Wars fandom more than I did even going into it.”

Muppets and the Infinite Possibilities

Okay, this is where it gets really interesting – and a little bit out there in the best possible way. Johnson mentioned, almost in passing, that he’d love to do a Muppet movie. I’m sorry, what? But also, YES! Seriously, think about it. He’s got this blend of wit, heart, and just a touch of dark humor that could be perfect for the Muppets. It feels like such a natural fit, doesn’t it? He could bring that classic Muppet anarchic energy back, but with his own unique Rian Johnson twist.

A Director’s Creative Meanderings

This little tidbit kind of illustrates his overall approach, I think. He’s not just a guy who landed a big franchise gig. He’s a filmmaker with genuine curiosity, a love for different genres, and a willingness to explore. From Brick, his incredible neo-noir debut, to Looper, a mind-bending sci-fi, he’s always been about challenging expectations and telling stories in unexpected ways. A Muppet movie would just be another fascinating step in that direction, honestly. And frankly, who doesn’t want to see Benoit Blanc interact with Miss Piggy? Just imagine the wardrobe!

It’s fascinating, looking at his trajectory. From the indie darling getting rave reviews, to the polarizing figure of Star Wars fame, to the certified hit-maker with Knives Out, he’s basically run the gamut of Hollywood experiences. What’s clear is that he just keeps making movies he believes in, adapting, and finding new ways to tell stories. And that, I think, is something we can all appreciate, whether you loved or loathed his take on the Force.

So, what’s next? More Blanc, obviously. There’s a new film, Wake Up Dead Man, in the pipeline, which is super exciting. But beyond that, who knows? A gritty Muppet detective yarn? A return to a galaxy far, far away, perhaps with a completely fresh perspective? Whatever it is, Johnson has proven he’s not one to shy away from a challenge or dampen his enthusiasm for the craft, even when the internet is, well, being the internet. He seems to have found a way to filter out the noise and just keep creating, which is probably the ultimate superpower in today’s creative landscape.