Director Rian Johnson talks Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Now that Star Wars: Episode VIII has the official title of The Last Jedi, director Rian Johnson is beginning to open up about the film and what fans can expect when it debuts worldwide on December 15….
Empire Online sat down with Star Wars: The Last Jedi director, Rian Johnson, and got some fantastic information regarding the next installment in the Star Wars saga. Since Lucasfilm made the announcement that Episode VIII had an official title, fans have been abuzz with excitement, wonder what the title means and when we might see the first trailer for the film.
Johnson was asked about which films he watched in preparation for filming The Last Jedi:
"Twelve O’Clock High was a big touchstone, for the feel and look of the aerial combat as well as the dynamic between the pilots. Three Outlaw Samurai for the feel of the sword-fighting, and the general sense of pulpy fun. And To Catch A Thief was a great film to rewatch, for the romantic scale and grandeur."
Image Credit: Lucasfilm
It is certainly very exciting to see that Johnson was amping up for aerial combat, which, in this writer’s opinion, should always present in every Star Wars film. Also, a Samurai sword-fighting film means we will certainly get more lightsaber battles Episode VIII than in The Force Awakens. Of course, what Star Wars film would be complete without a touch of the romantic? The influence of To Catch a Thief will definitely help in that department.
Rian Johnson had a cameo role in Rogue One as an Imperial officer in the Death Star firing chamber:
Image Credit: Lucasfilm
"It was so much fun. I was jealous of my producer Ram [Bergman] — he got to wear the full Daft Punk helmet. Also, it was great because we knew we couldn’t get cut out of the movie! The ONE THING they absolutely have to do is fire the Death Star!"
The Force Awakens had loads of celebrity cameos, as did Rogue One, so it’s fun to see that Johnson and his producer got in on the action. In fact, Prince William and Prince Harry are reported to have cameos in The Last Jedi.
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You can read Rian Johnson’s interview with Empire Online, in its entirety, by clicking here. Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi will premiere worldwide on December 15, later this year.