Rian Johnson Says the Worst Sin in Star Wars Is Playing It Safe

Rian Johnson recently opened up about his approach to directing Star Wars: The Last Jedi in an interview with Holo Files, explaining why he chose to challenge some of the franchise’s long-standing conventions.

Johnson, who grew up as a Star Wars fan, said he understood why fans often react strongly when a story goes in an unexpected direction. “Having grown up a Star Wars fan, I know that thing where something challenges it, and I know the recoil against that,” he said.

The filmmaker emphasized that playing it safe is the real mistake. “The worst sin is to handle it with kid gloves. The worst sin is to be afraid of doing anything that shakes it up. Because every Star Wars movie going back to Empire and onward shook the box and rattled fans, and got them angry, and got them fighting, and got them talking about it. And then for a lot of them, got them loving it and coming around on it eventually.”

The Last Jedi was widely recognized as one of the most divisive Star Wars films. Some fans criticized it for being too progressive, for its humor, or for the plot and character choices, according to Emily St. James of Vox.

A major point of contention was the reveal that Rey’s parents were ordinary people, which contradicted many fan theories expecting her to be connected to Luke Skywalker or another character from the original trilogy. Others felt that Snoke’s character was underdeveloped and that Luke’s actions didn’t fit his previous heroic portrayal.

Despite the criticisms, many viewers appreciated the film’s boldness. Some praised the story for its action, tone, and willingness to break from traditional expectations. Reviewers noted that while strong fan theories sometimes made it hard for audiences to accept new directions, the film also sparked meaningful discussion and, for many, a growing appreciation over time.

The Last Jedi continues to be a touchstone for debates about fan expectations and creative risk-taking in major franchises. Rian Johnson’s perspective underscores the importance of pushing boundaries even in a beloved series.

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