Rian Johnson

Rian Craig Johnson (born December 17, 1973) is an American filmmaker whose work spans independent neo‑noir, high‑concept science‑fiction, and mainstream franchise cinema. Growing up in Denver before moving to San Clemente, California, he honed his storytelling at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, graduating in 1996 and quickly earning a reputation for inventive low‑budget filmmaking. His debut feature Brick (2005), a stylized crime drama shot for under half a million dollars, showcased his knack for crisp dialogue and genre‑bending narrative, earning critical praise and establishing him as a fresh voice in modern noir. Johnson’s breakthrough into larger‑scale cinema arrived with Looper (2012), a time‑travel thriller that combined tight plotting with emotional depth, grossing over $170 million worldwide and cementing his status as a director capable of marrying commercial success with auteur sensibility. In 2017 he took on the monumental task of writing and directing Star Wars: The Last Jedi, delivering a film that grossed more than $1 billion while sparking vigorous debate among fans, and demonstrating his willingness to engage with iconic franchises on his own terms. Returning to the mystery genre, Johnson wrote, directed, and co‑produced Knives Out (2019) and its sequel Glass Onion (2022), both of which earned Academy Award nominations for screenplay and highlighted his skill at crafting ensemble‑driven whodunits that balance humor, wit, and social commentary. Beyond the big screen, he has directed acclaimed episodes of Breaking Bad, winning a Directors Guild of America award for “Fifty‑One,” and created the television series Poker Face for Peacock, starring Natasha Lyonne, which premiered in 2023. A folk‑music enthusiast, he performs in the duo the Preserves with his cousin Nathan Johnson, and since 2018 he has been married to film critic and podcaster Karina Longworth, with the couple residing in Los Angeles. His entrepreneurial venture T‑Street, founded with producer Ram Bergman, continues to develop original film and television projects, and a recent multi‑year deal with Warner Bros. ensures his influence on Hollywood storytelling will endure for years to come.