Rian Johnson Says He Has No Plans To Direct Star Wars: Episode 9

If you're holding out hope that Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson will return to direct Episode IX, you might need a new hope.

Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World) had signed on for the upcoming sequel to The Last Jedi, but he parted ways with the project due to creative differences. That led many to speculate that Johnson (who is already proving to be a fan favorite) back for the ninth film in the Skywalker saga. 

But Johnson recently told reporters in Japan (via The Hollywood Reporter) that he's not thinking about Episode IX.

"It was never in the plan for me to direct Episode IX, so I don't know what's going to happen with it," Johnson said. "For me, I was entirely focused on Episode VIII and having this experience. Now I'm just thinking about putting the movie out there and seeing how audiences respond to it. So no, I'm not really thinking about that right now."

He went on to hint that he's ready to be a spectator when it comes to Star Wars. "Whoever does it, I'm going to be really excited to be an audience member again, and to sit down and see what the next filmmaker has to show us and where this story ends up going."

Episode IX is scheduled to begin shooting early next year. The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams has also been mentioned as a possibility. Lucasfilm said the split with Trevorrow was "mutually chosen," but he sources said he was "difficult" and "unbearable."

Star Wars: Episode IX is set for release on May 24, 2019. Meanwhile, check out a few directors who were fired during filming.