Rian Johnson Talks The Last Jedi’s First Cut, Deleted Scenes and the New Star Wars Trilogy

Collider’s Steven Weintraub sat down with The Last Jedi Director Rian Johnson to talk about the highly anticipated movie. Johnson revealed that the first cut of the movie was more than three hours long and also mentioned that they had a lot of very good scenes (actually whole sequences) deleted from the movie that we will most likely see on The Last Jedi Blu-ray/DVD in a few months time. The director also briefly touched on the new Star Wars trilogy that he will be creating from scratch.

 

 

On The Last Jedi first cut and deleted scenes:

 

 

 

On the new Star Wars trilogy:

 

 

 

It’s very exciting to know early on that The Last Jedi will have a director’s commentary track (revealed a few days ago by Rian himself) and deleted scenes. We were not that lucky to get these two together before with The Force Awakens and Rogue One.

 

 

Source: Collider

 

 

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Founder of SWNN, MNN and The Cantina forums.

Born on April 24, 1980.

Val Trichkov (Viral Hide)

Founder of SWNN, MNN and The Cantina forums.Born on April 24, 1980.

44 thoughts on “Rian Johnson Talks The Last Jedi’s First Cut, Deleted Scenes and the New Star Wars Trilogy

  • December 4, 2017 at 11:41 pm
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    I think it’s more likely they’ll spread them out over multiple DVD/Blu-ray releases to make sure we keep paying out. I’ll be really interested to see if the Blu-ray release next year has more content that the Rogue One release which was pretty poor – hopefully they’ll be a decent making-of documentary this time.

  • December 4, 2017 at 11:56 pm
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    Let me just say this; Rian Johnson seems like such a nice dude. And really, beyond my own personal satisfaction; I just want TLJ to succeed because I really do love his work and want to see his career thrive.

    That said, I absolutely loved how he said he didn’t want an extended cut because he wants to put forth the best product he can theatrically. Films I always saw them as economy of storytelling; that is unlike something like books, comics etc. one has to maximize every min and every scene within the confines of a three act structure.

    Even movies that I love, I tend to find slip this up a bit. So I am happy that he was confident enough to remove said sequences due to not fitting. Whether or not I or anyone else will agree, we will need to wait and see. Because, to be honest; there were some scenes in The Force Awakens that I had wished were kept in as it would have made the movie better.

    But I digress. It’s hard to believe that TLJ is almost upon us. Now, if you excuse me; The OT and PT await me. 🙂

    • December 5, 2017 at 1:03 am
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      Great points. Star Wars, or any other sci-fi film isn’t worth a penny if all the visuals and action aren’t supported by a powerful, human story.

      • December 5, 2017 at 2:26 am
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        Agreed. And why I am looking forward to TLJ. I have made it clear that I’m not to fond of TFA. Mainly because I’m not an Abrams fan. I find his movies too fast paced and lacking a lot of depth. MI3 is the only film of his that I like due to his style fitting the genre.

        If Abrams really wanted to capture the OT, he should have focused just as much on the human element in characters. Though, the actors were great. But I digress.

        Rian really gets that human aspect. His work I would describe as atmospheric in that he really eases you into the setting, building the world and just letting the characters interact with it. And that is perfect for Star Wars. Empire did this exact same thing. And really while his film won’t copy ESB I have no doubt he will homage the atmosphere and tone of ESB above all.

        And that to me is great. 🙂

        • December 5, 2017 at 3:09 am
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          You also have to look at how TFA was put together as a project. I personally think JJ could’ve done a much better job with more time. He had to re-write the major portion of script, in half year time and rush the movie for the holiday season with UNREALISTIC expectations from both fans and Disney. I think he did a decent job under the pressure. I’m sure he’ll address all the issues in Ep.9 He CAN do a dope SW movie, the past two of his ST films were basically that!

          • December 5, 2017 at 3:18 am
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            Honestly, the rushed screenplay clearly shows. I have been listening to the novelization of TFA and I am honestly amazed at how much better that book is compared to the movie. To be fair, I am biased as I prefer books to movies.

            It was very evident that in my view that LF learned the wrong lessons from the PT. The basic bits of world building in TFA’s book would have been just fine in the movie. Because, really all LF needed to do was just take the OT in that the world is developed through brief, but impactful exposition. For example, that amazing round table scene in ANH or Lando’s discussion of the mining guilds in ESB.

            Combined with Starkiller base which honestly felt like a committee decision and detracted from the movie and its main goal: finding Luke Skywalker. Because, in truth; this movie should have been Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark in space. Our heroes evading the FO, trying to locate Luke, all the while uncovering a bigger ploy. As for Abrams, I’m happy he has acknowledged the criticisms of TFA.

            I do respect directors who do that. Whether or not, he will put that into practice remains to be seen. But I’m not so cynical as to give him another chance. 🙂

          • December 5, 2017 at 3:30 am
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            That’s a great outlook. I’m sure JJ won’t fail us. At the very least we’ll get another entertaining flick. But I myself am more of a book person. I haven’t read TFA yet but I’m overwhelmed at how great the new canon novels are, for a few exceptions. A 2.4hr movie will never give you the depth of a solid novel. I agree with you, the Starkiller Base was totally useless and the scene with Han and pirates was also wasted opportunity to build the relationships between him and the “kids”. It’s still mountains beyond prequels.

          • December 5, 2017 at 3:38 am
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            I still prefer ROTS over TFA only because I enjoy the story and themes. But TFA is better than the Prequels movie wise. I actually prefer the PT era world a lot more than the OT. But the OT clearly has the superior story and characters.

            For me, if Abrams does try to do ROTJ, I genuinely will be furious. I doubt he will, because from what I gathered he A) Wants to prove Naysayers wrong and B) LucasFilm won’t have any excuses, especially if TLJ is as original and good as people are saying it is.

            As for the New Canon, I find it a mixed bag. Some books, like Bloodline, Thrawn and Tarkin are excellent. But other books, like Dark Disciple, I just find are bad. My issue with the NC is that it is so focused on the OT and even the PT. And I want to see more of the ST. It is why I appreciate the Dameron comic, Bloodline and even Phasma for developing that era a lot more.

            If I was to put this in an analogy, the New Canon for me is showing too much of one dish to where my taste for it has dwindled. And as such, I’m craving something else. I suspect we will see this post TLJ.

            But really, as of now; I’m not going to be the one who picks out every NC material. And mostly stick to Legends stuff.

          • December 5, 2017 at 6:24 am
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            I’m actually surprised you didn’t like Dark Disciple. I’m a huge fan of Clone Wars show and I loved the book! With the show Lucas got back into his creative gears and produced some of the best storytelling ever. I’m still waiting for feature films to approach his material from Clone Wars. The only aspect of it I didn’t dig is the Mandalorians. EU treatment is a lot more interesting.

            But you’re right, prequels had many great ideas for awesome adventures. Dark Horse excellent comics and some novels like Shatterpoint helped soften the blow and actually enjoy that historical period in Sw.

          • December 5, 2017 at 7:02 pm
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            The writing for DD was good. Christie Golden has always been solid in my view ever since I discovered her when reading the Fate of the Jedi series.

            But the story very clearly felt like leftover scripts from TCW and I just didn’t think it didn’t panned out. Also, I just saw the story as a watered down take of the Clone Wars DH comic which had near similiar events with Quinlian Vos and Khaleen in that comic.

            Only with Asajji Ventress and I just didn’t like it. Keep in mind, I’m not over the moon for Vos, but even his intial depiction in TCW was to me cringeworthy.

            As for TCW, I used to not like the series a lot, but after Rebels, I have a newfound appreciation for the series as I find it a lot better in terms of story and narrative. Both series are about equal, with Rebels just edging out TCW a bit.

            But yes, the PT era had some great EU/ Legends storylines. It is why I argue that had George NOT directed those movies and had more capable hands, those movies would have been great.

            Heck, GL approached Ron Howard at one point to direct The Phantom Menace but he declined and insisited, along with Spielberg that GL direct it. Something I wish I could go back in time and convince him to take the job.

        • December 6, 2017 at 6:06 am
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          JJ is really going to have to up his game, but I guess at the same time, Rian’s auteurism will be just as apparent sandwiched between Abrams’ efforts, however convoluted.

    • December 5, 2017 at 3:01 pm
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      A 2 1/2-hour theatrical cut is risky. There is a chance the movie can be a mess, especially considering the rumors about how convoluted and twisted the plot is.

      • December 5, 2017 at 7:22 pm
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        Some of us don’t have attention span issu…..

      • December 6, 2017 at 3:03 am
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        Hopefully, the length of the film will at least mean that all plot points have room to breathe.

    • December 5, 2017 at 3:04 pm
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      No Star Wars movie has had an extended cut, so I don’t know why fans think that will change.

  • December 5, 2017 at 12:46 am
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    I just hope they’re FULL deleted scenes. With The Force Awakens we basically only got disjointed clips of deleted scenes. The only one that could easily be put back into the film is Kylo Ren on the Falcon. The others just start or end abruptly–very annoying they didn’t give us the full scenes.

    • December 5, 2017 at 8:37 pm
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      Still waiting on those deleted scenes from Rogue One…

  • December 5, 2017 at 1:01 am
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    Glad to hear he’s fully happy with his cut of the film. Had great vibes about this project since the beginning. This one could prove to be THE ONE I’ve been waiting for since 84.

    • December 5, 2017 at 3:00 pm
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      I think you will be disappointed.

      • December 5, 2017 at 3:25 pm
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        @mabruno:disqus you misspelled “I”. What you meant to say surely was “I think I will be disappointed” – there, fixed it for you.

  • December 5, 2017 at 1:09 am
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    I liked what Andy Serkis had to say about the film. Fills me with… hope!

    • December 5, 2017 at 1:30 am
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      Rebellions are built on hope.

  • December 5, 2017 at 2:50 am
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    I’m not real sure about the new trilogy. If it is a “different part of the galaxy”, i.e., a new place, and it is all new story lines, aren’t they just making a new sci-fi flick and slapping “Star Wars” on it? The Force, the known Galaxy… all of those things are key to Star Wars, and if they venture too far away from it, will it still be Star Wars?
    I guess I’m in the camp that they should explore the Old Republic. It needs to be somewhat familiar or it isn’t Star Wars. JMO.

    • December 5, 2017 at 2:59 am
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      Don’t get me wrong; I’d love to see the old Republic or something resembling KOTOR as that is my favorite era in all of the franchise. But if I am to be honest, I’d prefer to see something completely out there. I’m not saying I would be against TOR/KOTOR. But if TLJ is great and LF really allows RJ to go at it, I’d want to see this trilogy be a representation of what RJ good at which is coming up with a unique world.

      As for an idea I had, why not set this new trilogy in the Unknown regions? Think about it? We have seen the core worlds and the outter rim and the Unknown Regions even in Legends was sparsely defined even with cultures, like the Chiss Ascendency, Ssi-ruuvi Imperium etc.

      Why not go with that? Have another galaxy be in those areas, separated by nebulas, black holes etc. that prevented the Empire and Republic from really exploring. And why not have this galaxy be very different?

      Maybe, there is an Empire but it is a force of good? Or something like a series of confederacies? And maybe, some of the aliens take after fantasy races, but there are also unique takes on classic races, like Tw’leks, Sullutans, Duros etc.

      And instead of Jedi, maybe there are something akin to Imperial Knights who use the Force? I will admit that is me wanting to take inspiration from the SWs Legacy comic. But really, my hope is that Rian Johnson will go all out.

      Obviously, keep classic elements of what makes SWs, SWs; the action, adventure D&D elements that make it so iconic. But just mix things up.

      • December 5, 2017 at 4:41 am
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        Setting it in the Old Republic doesn’t mean setting in the time period of KOTOR, and doesn’t exclude ignoring those events entirely, since they’re not canon. I for one never played KOTOR or read and of the tie-in Legends stories surrounding it, so I don’t care one way or the other. My only point is that there’s a difference: it can be in ancient history, relative to the Skywalker saga, and still be a blank slate.

        • December 5, 2017 at 2:47 pm
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          And that ancient can be covered without it being KOTOR or TOR. If RJ wanted to he could have his trilogy cover the origin of the Jedi and Sith and call it TOR but really it is more Dawn of the Jedi. In essence, pulling a Marvel in putting forth a cool title from a famous story that has little to do with the actual story.

          My point is that RJ and LF shouldn’t give into fan demand of The Old Republic if he has an equally good idea. That said, if LF wants to cover that era along with RJ due to making it work, awesome. Because I’m a huge diehard fan of that era and the concept is ripe with potential.

          Because SWs should never be stuck in a box. Even if its Contents change. Also, play KOTOR. I highly recommend it as it has one of the best stories of the franchise in my view.

          TOR it is your choice.

          • December 5, 2017 at 2:58 pm
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            I’d love to know the story, but I simply have no interest in playing video games. Any other way to get the story? And what is the distinction you’re making between KOTOR and TOR? Is TOR comprised of all the Legends stuff about the Old Republic that isn’t in KOTOR?

          • December 5, 2017 at 3:08 pm
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            KOTOR in legends came first and TOR. They are technically different eras but people lump them together given of TOR is the events following KOTOR.

            As for a way to experience the story without gameplay; I highly recommend you search on Youtube KOTOR the movie. I can link it to you but basically these are fans who take KOTOR gameplay and story and turn it into a movie. It’s actually impressive as in my view these guys went above and beyond.

            Because KOTOR is fantastic enough in my view to be its own movie trilogy.

    • December 5, 2017 at 8:27 am
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      I’m quite confident that LFL is not just “moving” to a new corner of the galaxy. To be fair, they did so in both the last films: except for Yavin 4 in Rogue One, they where all new planets and locations. So… technically they already did so.
      Other than obviously grabbing money, it is, IMO, because of how TLJ will play out that the new trilogy came up to be. Too often have “huge revelations about the Force” been teased for it not to be true. So, I do expect the new trilogy either to be set before the Prequels, between VI and VII, or in any blind spot. What will be certain is, that no familiar character might appear, except possiblyone: Snoke.

    • December 5, 2017 at 7:19 pm
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      They can retain certain elements like look and feel, droids, maybe some alien races, lightsabres, the force etc and still make it new.

  • December 5, 2017 at 3:46 pm
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    This is just theory, but the current rumor (I’m not trying to spread rumors, that is all this is mind you) is that Snoke is beyond ancient, perhaps from the Old Republic era. If this is the case, perhaps Ryan Johnson had a trilogy idea for way back then that involved Snoke as the main baddie, maybe even touching on why he was so damaged and disfigured. I know it is a stretch, but it is something I was thinking about.

    • December 5, 2017 at 7:11 pm
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      That I could see. Or perhaps his race comes from a different galaxy all together/ the Unknown Regions and in turn the new trilogy could take place in that place of the galaxy and showcase us Snoke and if there are others like him and just how strong their race is.

    • December 5, 2017 at 7:17 pm
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      I think the whole point of starting with a clean slate is that you don’t carry anything over.
      I expect something that is related to what we know in name, look and feel, but not characters and situations.

      • December 5, 2017 at 8:53 pm
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        This is absolutely possible, and probably the case. We have to have some familiarity though or it will just feel like generic sci-fi.

    • December 5, 2017 at 8:34 pm
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      If he was that, then where was he in the original trilogy. Han and Leia seemed to know who Snoke was, and that it took them long enough to see that he was corrupting their son. Him being some ancient evil, doesn’t work story wise.

      • December 5, 2017 at 8:51 pm
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        Where he would be in the original trilogy may be covered in this or the next movie. Something may have happened to him to imprison him until recently. I just don’t know. Even if my theory is incorrect (which is probably the case) he wasn’t in the original trilogy anyhow that we know of, so the fact that Han and Leia knowing who he is as of the time frame of the sequel trilogy doesn’t really matter. The galaxy is pretty big. He could have just appeared only recently at that point, though he is centuries or thousands of years old. We’ll see what they decide to do. Just a thought

    • December 5, 2017 at 9:35 pm
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      Unfortunately, Rian has shot down the Old Republic trilogy theory.

      • December 5, 2017 at 10:10 pm
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        Though I’d be excited to see that as a trilogy, I’m just excited to see Star Wars go in a new and exciting place.

      • December 6, 2017 at 7:07 am
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        I suspect we’re unlikely to ever see existing stories adapted into movies simply because there would be no secrecy

  • December 5, 2017 at 5:53 pm
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    So 3 movies got green lit possibly over a couple of cocktails? No story, no script, nothing

    ok

  • December 6, 2017 at 4:03 am
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    Hi

  • December 6, 2017 at 5:47 am
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    From what I’ve seen in the screening room, this movie makes TFA look like utter horse sh$&@.

  • December 7, 2017 at 4:38 pm
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    In about 5-6 years we will look back at this interview and see how it all started

  • December 8, 2017 at 6:46 pm
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    I hope the Chiss are involved.

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