20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker

20. Rian Johnson Was Offered To Direct After Colin Trevorrow's Departure

It's no secret that Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World) was originally hired to direct The Rise of Skywalker, yet ultimately exited the project amid creative differences, albeit still retaining a "story by" credit in the final film.

The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams was of course drafted in to replace him, yet before he secured the gig, Lucasfilm did reach out to The Last Jedi's Rian Johnson to see if he was interested in the job.

But Johnson refused, feeling that he needed time off between The Last Jedi and what would be his next project, Knives Out. Plus, it's fair to assume that participating in The Rise of Skywalker would've pushed back production on Knives Out, which was clearly a passion project for Johnson.

And above all else, can anyone blame him for not returning after the volcanic fan response to The Last Jedi?