Could Rian Johnson Direct Star Wars: Episode IX?

Could The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson return for Star Wars: Episode IX?

Earlier today, the news broke that director Colin Trevorrow was no longer helming Star Wars: Episode IX. The announcement from Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Pictures read: “Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX. Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon.” Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson may be at the top of the list of potential directors to replace Trevorrow, according to Deadline. Insiders have reportedly said that though nothing is done yet, “that prospect is certainly in the air right now.” It was also apparently the original intention to have him direct two films.

Written by Simon Kinberg, Lawrence Kasdan, Rian Johnson and Michael Arndt, Star Wars: Episode IX will conclude the third trilogy of Star Wars movies that began with Star Wars: The Force Awakens on December 18, 2015 and will continue on December 15 with Star Wars: The Last JediEpisode IX is scheduled for a May 24, 2019 release.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is written and directed by Rian Johnson (BrickLooper) and continues the storylines introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, welcoming back cast members Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, the late Carrie Fisher as General Leia Organa, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, Daisy Ridley as Rey, John Boyega as Finn, Lupita Nyong’o as Maz Kanata, Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, Domhnall Gleeson as Hux, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma, and Andy Serkis as Supreme Leader Snoke. New cast members will include Academy Award winner Benicio Del Toro, Academy Award nominee Laura Dern, and newcomer Kelly Marie Tran as Rose.

The Last Jedi is produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski. You can view photos from that film in the gallery below.

What are your thoughts on Rian Johnson potentially taking the reins for Star Wars: Episode IX? Let us know @ComingSoonnet.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

Movie News

Marvel and DC

X