Nearly two years since the release ofStar Wars: The Last Jedithe debate as to whether it is a worthy addition to the long-running franchise, or whether it is the worst thing to happen to cinema since the moving picture was first conceived, rages on.
Whilst promoting his newest film,Knives Out, at a recent live event,Rian Johnsonhit back against those who have aimed their hatred atThe Last Jedisimply due to its diversity. Be forewarned, bad language to follow.
“If someone’sresponding to diversity negatively, f*ck ‘em. If anyone didn’t like the movie, I’m not saying that’s why they didn’t like it… It wasn’t surprising at all to me, I grew up as a Star Wars fan. And I grew up - I was in my twenties when the prequels came out and this whole idea that it’s all been sunshine and roses and suddenly everybody’s yelling at each other is baffling to me.”
To call the film polarizing would be something of an understatement, but the film’s director, Rian Johnson, has been surprisingly restrained and professional when defendingThe Last Jediagainst the vast mixture of legitimate fan-criticism andtoxic Star Wars trolls. Now, to be absolutely crystal clear, the above comments from Rian Johnson is in no way directed towards people who have criticisedThe Last Jedi’snarrative direction. The director has countered those criticisms in the past on social media, and always in a very calm, diplomatic manner.
Following his foul-mouthed response to the diversity detractors, Johnson followed up with his more familiar joviality regarding theon-going debate about the quality of The Last Jedi.
“And I feel like people care deeply about Star Wars, and every single person has a slightly different version of what they think Star Wars is. And so much of the fun of it is arguing about it. Since we were kids, right? On the playground, you’re yelling at your friends about who would win in a fight… It’s part and parcel about the passion of being a Star Wars fan.”
Johnson then went on to cement his adoration forStar Warsfans, despite the hate he has received from a subsection of them, and even stated that most of his interactions on social media are positive experiences, even from those who disliked his movie.
“Star Wars fans are the best fans in the whole world.”
Depending on what your feelings are forThe Last Jedi, it will either excite you or send you into despair to learn that Rian Johnson’s forays into theStar Warsuniverse may not be over just yet. Though it may not be a sure thing right now, he has been attached to helm his own trilogy for some time, and there are many who hope that despite Disney declaring that the franchise will be slowing down for the near future, that this will still go ahead. Rey’s journey continues and the Skywalker saga concludes inStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, coming December 2019. This news comes fromComicBook.com
