Did Rian Johnson and J.J. Abrams Discuss the Snoke Twist Before 'The Last Jedi'?

2025-07-15
Did Rian Johnson and J.J. Abrams Discuss the Snoke Twist Before 'The Last Jedi'?
CinemaBlend

Rian Johnson's Star Wars: The Last Jedi remains one of the most divisive films in the franchise's history. While many lauded its bold narrative choices and deconstruction of Star Wars tropes, others questioned its direction, particularly the sudden and somewhat abrupt demise of Supreme Leader Snoke. The lack of explanation surrounding Snoke's existence and subsequent destruction fueled considerable fan speculation, with many wondering if Johnson had consulted with J.J. Abrams, who created the character in The Force Awakens, before crafting his own vision for the sequel.

The question of whether Johnson and Abrams discussed the Snoke situation has lingered for years, and now, finally, we have a more definitive answer. Someone recently posed the question to Johnson, and his response sheds light on the behind-the-scenes conversations that shaped The Last Jedi.

Johnson acknowledged that he did speak with Abrams, but the exchange wasn't a detailed discussion about Snoke's fate. Instead, their conversation focused on the broader narrative direction of the sequel trilogy. Johnson explained that Abrams was fully supportive of his vision for The Last Jedi, emphasizing that he wanted to explore the themes of subversion and challenging expectations within the Star Wars universe.

“I did talk to J.J. about it,” Johnson stated. “But it wasn’t like, ‘Hey, can I kill off your character?’ It was more about… he was really supportive of me going where I wanted to go with the story. He was like, ‘Do you, do your thing.’ That was really the extent of it.”

This perspective offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind the sequel trilogy. It suggests that Abrams, despite his own investment in The Force Awakens, was willing to relinquish some control and allow Johnson to chart his own course. This willingness to embrace change, albeit controversial, is what ultimately made The Last Jedi such a compelling and thought-provoking film.

The decision to eliminate Snoke, a character who seemed poised to become a major antagonist, was a calculated risk. It served to dismantle the established power structure and force Rey to confront the challenges of leadership without the guidance of a clear villain. While some fans felt betrayed by this development, others appreciated the film's willingness to defy expectations and explore new narrative territory.

Ultimately, Johnson’s account reinforces the idea that the sequel trilogy, while occasionally fragmented, was the result of individual filmmakers pursuing their own artistic visions. The conversation with Abrams wasn't about permission to kill off a character, but rather a confirmation that Johnson could take the story where it needed to go, even if that meant deviating from the established path. The Last Jedi remains a film that sparks debate and inspires passionate opinions, and understanding the creative context behind its decisions only deepens the appreciation for Johnson's bold filmmaking choices.

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