John Boyega Explains the ‘Different Energy’ Rian Johnson Brought to The Last Jedi

November 9, 2017, 5:24pm

The original Star Wars was written and directed by George Lucas, which resulted in the first film being his singular vision. For The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Lucas helped craft the story and screenplays, but also brought in new writers and directors to give each film their own distinct feel.

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When Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012 and announced it would be creating the further adventures in the Skywalker Saga, fans were promised that some of the greatest contemporary sci-fi filmmakers would help craft the installments. Much like with the original trilogy, three different directors would handle new films to ensure that each installment would offer audiences different experiences.

When speaking with Entertainment Weekly, John Boyega detailed his experience filming The Last Jedi with writer/director Rian Johnson, having previously worked on The Force Awakens with J.J. Abrams.

“Definitely has his own unique style…”

The first film captured both adventure and drama with its tone, giving audiences a thrilling introduction to a galaxy far, far away. The second film, however, delved into a darker place, shocking audiences with Luke’s journey, the capture of Han Solo, and reveal of Luke’s heritage. Many have assumed The Last Jedi would go a similar route, but it sounds like Boyega’s experiences shooting were devoid of darkness.

“Being a different person comes with a different energy, a different perspective, and Rian definitely has his own unique style,” says Boyega. “Rian is just fun. Rian is just a fun guy. I have a feeling he is Santa Claus. I think Santa Claus is a part time director when it comes to December. He grows out the beard then does his thing, because he just so giving, he’s cheerful on set, and it’s always a fun time.”

This falls in line with some of Johnson’s recent comments to Fandango, where he revealed about his inspirations for the movie, “The automatic temptation is to say, ‘Well it’s a middle chapter, so it’s got kind of that Empire thing.’”

He added, “But at the same time, I really wanted to maintain the same sense of fun that J.J. [Abrams] had in The Force Awakens, that to some extent in Return Of The Jedi, which I was like 10 years old, that was prime for me when that came out, and the sense of playfulness, I think.”

“A different perspective is awesome.”

Much like the original trilogy found success by having different directors bring their own vision to the franchise, Boyega thinks multiple filmmakers coming on board is the best way to keep the franchise feeling fresh.

“What people fail to understand sometimes is that the success of these stories that will stay with us long-term is to bring new ideas, is to expand the universe,” Boyega explained. “So we can have new stories, new people, just a different perspective is awesome. [Rian] had a chance to really go crazy, and I’m a big Star Wars buff so certain things I saw I was just like ‘Well, that’s a first.’ And that, for me, is really cool to experience.”

Considering Lucas directed all three installments of the prequel trilogy, which many audiences have criticized, maybe the revolving door format of varied filmmakers will prove more effective, once the new trilogy has been completed.

More The Last Jedi

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the second film in the new Star Wars sequel trilogy that began with Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015. The film will deal with Luke training Rey to become a, and possibly the last, Jedi. Meanwhile, 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.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is written and directed by Rian Johnson and 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.

The Last Jedi will hit theaters on December 15.