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Director Rian Johnson helmed the second installment in theStar Warssequel trilogy,The Last Jedi. However, the film proved to be extremely divisive, especially because of its plot and handling of legacy characters. Nonetheless, some fans continue to enjoy the movie because it deconstructs some of the franchise’s biggest tropes.
During an interview, Johnson opened up about the inspiration behind the film, particularly outside of the franchise. In the process, Johnson revealed one nearly sixty-year-old Japanese film, which inspired the movie. Here is what Johnson had to say about taking inspiration from the decades-old film, particularly for the lightsaber scenes inThe Last Jedi.
Rian Johnson AdmittedStar Wars: The Last JediWas Inspired byThree Outlaw Samurai
Star Wars: The Last Jedi, is the eighth entry in the Skywalker saga and the second installment in the sequel trilogy. The film was directed byRian Johnson, known for hisKnives Outfranchise films. Ahead of the film’s release, Johnson sat down for a conversation withEmpire, wherein he was asked about the movies that inspiredThe Last Jedi.
Three Outlaw Samurai for the feel of the sword-fighting, and the general sense of pulpy fun.
Johnson made the above statement, citing the 1964 Japanese film as a source of inspiration for hisStar Warsmovie. The director’s comment also hinted that the film influenced the lightsaber duels inThe Last Jedi.
“If you go too far you can break the Star Wars spell”: Rian Johnson Was Very Careful The Last Jedi Didn’t Go Overboard in One Area
Given thatThree Outlaw Samuraifalls in the Japanese subgenre of “Chambara,” also known as sword-fighting, it is easy to understand why Johnson cited it as an influence. Since franchise creatorGeorge Lucaswas himselfinspired by Japanese samurai films, it makes even more sense that Johnson turned to the subgenre for inspiration.
Rian Johnson Revealed the Biggest Surprise of Directing aStar WarsMovie
During the same interview, Johnson was asked about his overall experience of making aStar Warsmovie. Johnson was also questioned about the aspect he found the most surprising about the experience. In response, Johnson stated:
I guess the biggest surprise was the intimacy of the process. It’s huge, sure, and it’s filled with pressures great and small.
Johnson suggested that given the large scope and fantastical nature of the space opera saga, he was surprised that telling a heartfelt story still mattered the most while crafting aStar Warsmovie.
“Asking for realism is just silly”: Star Wars Fans Hating The Acolyte Have Their Reasons But Criticizing Qimir’s Lightsaber Duel for Not Being Realistic is Plain Dumb
The Last Jediwas released on August 13, 2025, and received generally mixed reviews from fans and critics. The film’streatment and characterization of Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill, remains the most debated topic from the movie. It managed to gross$1.334 billion, nearly half the$2.071 billioncollection of its predecessor, proving divisive on almost every metric.
TheStar Warsmovies, includingThe Last Jedi, are streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1772
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
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Rian Johnson
