Rian Johnson Says New Star Wars Toys Won’t Spoil ‘The Last Jedi’

Force Friday II kicks off at midnight, launching a Star Wars: The Last Jedi marketing blitz that will last through the film’s arrival to theaters in December. With an onslaught of The Last Jedi merchandise about to hit store shelves, fans may be concerned about potential spoilers — but according to The Last Jedi writer and director Rian Johnson, steps were taken to ensure the toys and related materials don’t ruin any of the film’s surprises.

“Nah,” Johnson said when asked on Twitter if he would recommend fans steer clear of merch to avoid spoilers. “Unless seeing what characters and ships look like count, we were careful to make sure the toys and toy marketing don’t spoil anything.”

Earlier this month, Johnson did suggest being mindful of upcoming marketing materials, writing “I fully endorse avoiding everything you can from now till December!” Star Mark Hamill, who returns to play weathered Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, fully endorsed the filmmaker’s statement, adding, “Avoid everything you can from now [until] December!!!!!”

Force Friday toys and collectibles began to slowly roll out this morning, with LEGO unveiling a lineup that includes seven construction sets featuring new characters, minifigures, and vehicles making their first appearance in LEGO form as well as four buildable figures. Hasbro also premiered a look at their offerings, with a line of 3.75-inch figures that includes Rey, Finn, C-3PO, Kylo Ren, General Hux, a Praetorian Guard, a First Order Stormtrooper, Poe, Paige, Rose, and Luke Skywalker. The toymakers will also be releasing a new line of Black Series 6-inch figures, which will include Luke Skywalker as he appears in The Last Jedi.

Force Friday II also saw the introduction of BB-9E, an “evil” counterpart to beloved Resistance droid BB-8.

Disney and Lucasfilm kept much of Star Wars: The Force Awakens under wraps in 2015, and are expected to play things close to the chest when it comes to the highly-anticipated sequel. Written and directed by Rian Johnson, Star Wars: The Last Jedi sees the exiled Luke Skywalker train former scavenger Rey, while the Resistance — including Poe Dameron and First Order defector Finn — continues to fight against the First Order, led by General Hux, while Supreme Leader Snoke and his Dark Side follower Kylo Ren continue their mysterious plot. The film stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis, Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern, and Kelly Marie Tran.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens December 15.