It was announced prior to the movie’s release that Johnson would helm three more Star Wars movies.
But when The Last Jedi’s bold change in direction and surprising plot twists left the fanbase somewhat polarised, speculation inevitably turned to whether the upcoming projects would be impacted.
“No, not really,” Johnson said simply at SXSW during an interview with Fandango.
“I feel like every Star Wars thing that ever gets made has a big loud response because Star Wars fans are passionate – and that’s what makes them awesome.
“I don’t think it’s possible if you’re telling a story you care about and it comes from your heart.
“It’s not possible to be intellectually processing what everyone else wants, and nor would that be a good thing, a healthy thing.
“I don’t think that’s a good way to tell a story.”
Speaking to Express.co.uk this week, Johnson also spoke in defence of new Star Wars movies that look back at established characters – such as the upcoming Han Solo story Solo, and rumours of an Obi-Wan Kenobi tale.
“I think, honestly, for me it’s less about ‘is it the new stuff, is it the old stuff’,” he said.
“It’s more about if a film-maker comes with a take on an old character that is alive and vibrant, and engages with the audience – that’s what it’s all about.
“Whether you’re using the old stuff or creating new stuff, it’s kind of incidental. Is there a fresh story to be told? Is there something where, if it’s an old character, it doesn’t feel like we’re recycling the past?
“So yeah, I’m excited to see what they could be.”
Johnson is currently promoting the DVD and Blu-ray release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which is out on April 9.
