Rian Johnson will bring us his entry in the STAR WARS universe this December from a script that’s been lauded by the likes of J.J. Abrams and others who’ve read it. That’s high praise, and Johnson’s work was supposedly continuing into the story treatment of EPISODE IX. Turns out that is no longer the case, as Johnson has confirmed he has done no work for the next chapter in the Skywalker saga.
While responding to a Twitter user who asked Johnson about his involvement with the story of IX, the director confirmed that he has not worked on anything for the film, confirming it as “old info”
The next film is set to be directed by Colin Trevorrow who is writing the script with Derek Connolly, the two having worked together before on SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED and JURASSIC WORLD. There’s no word yet on if not writing the story treatment means Johnson has also not spoken at all with Trevorrow, but in terms of the complete story and script the latter and Connolly are being left to their own devices.
Given the magnitude of the story there is a chance the two directors have been in some sort of communication, so I wouldn’t fear for the loss of any story continuity. Disney may not want too many hands on the wheel for each movie, and Johnson seems like a man who will step back and let Trevorrow do his thing. Plus, seeing as how its STAR WARS we're dealing with chances are the EPISODE IX team already have a specific framework to develop in. It's not like Trevorrow is gonna be able to throw Mace Windu in there…even though that would rule.
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI arrives December 15.