Rian Johnson Says He Wants New Star Wars Stories Following Kathleen Kennedy’s Exit

Filmmaker Rian Johnson is looking ahead with optimism for the future of Star Wars, expressing excitement about fresh creative voices entering the galaxy far, far away following Kathleen Kennedy’s departure from Lucasfilm leadership.

Johnson, who directed Star Wars: The Last Jedi, shared his perspective in a recent interview, focusing on what he sees as the most thrilling possibility in the post-Kennedy era: new storytellers and new stories.

“Fresh voices” driving the future of Star Wars

“As a Star Wars fan,” Johnson said, “the most exciting thing for me is always seeing when they bring in fresh voices and fresh filmmakers to come in and tell new stories in that world. That’s what I am looking forward to seeing more happen.”

His comments emphasize a creative approach that values diversity of perspective over repetition of familiar formulas — a sentiment shared by many within the industry as leadership at Lucasfilm transitions.

Why Johnson’s viewpoint matters

Johnson’s connection to Star Wars gives added weight to his perspective. Though The Last Jedi was divisive among fans, it remains one of the most discussed entries in the franchise — in part because it took risks, challenged expectations, and reflected a distinct filmmaker’s voice.

His experience highlights a tension at the heart of the franchise: support for innovation versus comfort in established patterns. Bringing in new voices, as Johnson suggests, could mean more varied and unexpected storytelling — a potential shift from the tightly curated era under Kennedy.

A broader trend in franchise storytelling

Across Hollywood, franchises are increasingly experimenting with multiple creative teams and formats — from film to streaming, animation to novels. In Star Wars, this has already been visible through projects like The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and Star Wars Rebels, which have featured a range of showrunners and tones.

Johnson’s comments align with this broader move toward collaborative world-building rather than single-style stewardship.

What comes next for Star Wars

With Kennedy stepping back, Lucasfilm’s leadership landscape is shifting. That opens the door for both returning contributors and emerging voices to influence what the franchise becomes next.

Johnson’s hope is clear: Star Wars shouldn’t just continue with more of the same. Instead, he wants:

• new filmmakers telling original stories
• expanded corners of the galaxy
• and narratives that reflect diverse creative visions

For fans and creators alike, that’s a future worth watching.

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