'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' director on what he hopes will surprise you

November 29, 2017

[Photo by: Lucasfilm]

Star Wars director Rian Johnson in revealing the “one thing” he hopes will surprise moviegoers with next month's The Last Jedi, the anticipated second film in the sequel trilogy that's just two weeks away from release.

Speaking to Rolling Stone ahead of the film's December premiere, Johnson offers his hope that “people will be surprised” with the flexible tone of the new film, referencing the often grim nature of the movie's official trailers. The filmmaker, while affirming that The Last Jedi will certainly contain dark elements, says he purposely sought some more lighthearted moments when shooting the direct sequel to 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

“That's one thing I hope people will be surprised about with the movie,” Johnson says. “I think it's very funny. The trailers have been kind of dark. The movie has that but I also made a real conscious effort for it to be a riot.”

And just how funny will The Last Jedi be? While no one's really expecting a slapstick comedy in space, the director does say he wants to cover all the Star Wars bases when it comes to crafting a compelling storyline.

“I want it to have all the things tonally that I associate with Star Wars,” says Johnson, comparing the beloved franchise's cinematic universe to other celluloid classics: “Not just the Wagner of it, it's also the Flash Gordon.”

So, yeah, at least the surprise isn't a Jar Jar Binks appearance!

Star Wars: The Last Jedi hits theaters Dec. 15.