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## Revisiting the Ryan Johnson Star Wars Saga

In a recent episode of Clownfish TV, Neon and Geeky Sparkles reignited discussions surrounding Ryan Johnson and his controversial role in the Star Wars saga, reminiscent of the heated debates that dominated the discourse back in 2017. The hosts examined the ongoing drama associated with Star Wars, noting that while titles like "Andor" received mixed reactions, the series has suffered from a lack of attention, primarily due to the controversial reception of "The Last Jedi."

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The discussion quickly shifted focus to Johnson's aspirations regarding his future within the Star Wars franchise. Despite a public persona of being busy with other projects, the underlying implication was that Disney is reluctant to revisit Johnson's vision, especially considering the fallout from "The Last Jedi." The hosts argued that while Johnson appeared to be holding out hope for another Star Wars film, the reality suggested that Disney's current trajectory involves course corrections largely influenced by previous decisions.

## The Last Jedi's Legacy

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At the heart of the conversation lay the legacy of "The Last Jedi." Initially met with critical acclaim, the film ultimately fractured the fan base, leading to rifts that had not been seen since the prequel trilogy era. Neon and Sparkles argued that the backlash against the movie stemmed not just from its content, but from the tone set by its creators, including Johnson himself. The hosts lamented how criticism of the film often led to accusations of toxicity among fans—a strategy that many felt marginalized genuine discourse.

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They emphasized that the poor performance of subsequent films, such as "The Rise of Skywalker," and the gradual decline in viewership for various Star Wars-related projects signaled deeper issues with franchise management. The commentaries from the hosts reflected an overarching sentiment that the failures of the sequel trilogy cannot be dismissed simply as toxic fandom but rather indicate broader dissatisfaction with the direction of the franchise.

## Johnson's Continued Aspirations

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Despite acknowledging the challenges faced by the Star Wars franchise, both hosts noted that Johnson remains hopeful for a return. In an interview, Johnson expressed a desire to revisit the Star Wars universe, suggesting that the potential for another project is not entirely off the table. However, the consensus among the hosts was clear; Disney is unlikely to greenlight any new projects under Johnson's helm, given the controversies that surrounded his previous involvement.

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They posited that Disney is likely aiming for a more traditional approach in their future projects, likely focusing on nostalgia-driven themes from the original trilogy, as exemplified by their emphasis on series like "The Mandalorian." The hosts pondered the irony of other filmmakers, such as Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling, potentially stepping into the Star Wars universe before Johnson, underlining the industry's shifting dynamics.

## The Creative Dissonance in Star Wars

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An essential point of the discussion revolved around the creative dissonance that plagued the sequel trilogy. The hosts critiqued the lack of coherence among the film’s narratives, attributing it to poor communication between the creative teams responsible for the trilogy's development. They recalled how Johnson's approach to subverting expectations, while commendable in theory, fell flat within the framework of an established saga.

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The critique extended beyond Johnson to the larger media environment that surrounded the Star Wars franchise. The hosts lamented how this climate has fostered a culture where valid critiques are dismissed as toxic rhetoric, creating barriers for constructive dialogue among fans. This led to a broader reflection on the state of the fandom and the noise that continues to drown out substantive conversations about Star Wars.

## The Future of Star Wars

As the conversation drew to a close, the hosts expressed hope for a revitalization of the franchise that honors its roots while remaining responsive to fan sentiments. They reflected on the potential for creative projects rooted in original storytelling, citing examples of successful narratives that have captured the attention of audiences.

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Ultimately, the episode served as a significant reminder of the complexities surrounding Ryan Johnson's tenure within the Star Wars universe. With fans split and the industry's focus shifting, the future of Star Wars remains uncertain, making it clear that any narrative decisions moving forward will need to address the deep fractures that have formed over the years. The hosts concluded, emphasizing the importance of a thoughtful, inclusive approach to the franchise that honors its legacy while charting a bold new course for its future.