
Rian Johnson is trying not to feel too "responsible" for the ‘Star Wars’ franchise.
The 40-year-old filmmaker is directing ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ and expect to helm Episode ‘IX’ admits that, when it comes to the new movies, it is a "challenge" staying true to the original while also not getting too involved in the early films.
He said: "I’m figuring it out as I go. I’m dancing on top of the avalanche a little bit. But it’s a challenge of remembering what inspires you about the original films, but I think you can probably go to the wrong place by feeling too responsible to it. You have to keep your head loose enough to tell a story you actually care about."
The director may have only just begun work on the project, but admits it is the "most fun" he has ever had on a film.
Speaking to Terry Gilliam on the TalkHouse Podcast, Johnson, he said: "I’m just starting into it, but so far it’s the most fun I’ve ever had writing. It’s just joyous.
"The first movies I was making in my head were part of this world, so part of it is a direct connection – it’s almost like an automatic jacking-in into childhood in a weird way."
J.J. Abrams is currently shooting ‘Episode VII’, which will be out on December 18, 2015.
‘Episode VIII’ is expected to follow in 2017.