Star Wars: The Last Jedi director says it’s not “in the plans” for him to take over Episode 9

Following Colin Trevorrow's abrupt ouster from the director's chair on Star Wars: Episode 9, attention has turned to who will replace him. While Lucasfilm isn't saying anything at the moment, speculation has naturally found its way to seeing The Last Jedi director, Rian Johnson come back for the final film in the new trilogy. It makes sense, given his immediate familiarity with the story and the brand, but Johnson is putting the brakes on any notion that he is in line for the job.

Speaking at a press event for The Last Jedi over in Japan, Johnson distanced himself from the idea, saying that he was "excited to be an audience member again" and to "see what the next filmmaker has to show us and where this story ends up going."

"It was never really in the plans for me to direct Episode 9, so I don't know what's going to happen with it," he said.

You can check out his answer to the question in the video below:

Episode 9 was the second Star Wars film to make a change at the director's chair, as Phil Lord and Chris Miller left the Han Solo prequel over "creative differences," much like Trevorrow. All we can do at this point is wait for Lucasfilm to make their decision on who will take over Episode 9 and/or make Rian Johnson an offer he can't refuse.

In the mean time, Star Wars: Episode 8: The Last Jedi releases in theaters on December 15th, 2017.

[Star Wars Underworld]