It’s been less than a week since Colin Trevorrow exited Episode IX, and a replacement director ha yet to be announced. Names are being thrown around for helming the Star Wars film, and one person in particular keeps coming up: Rian Johnson.

Johnson, the writer and director for The Last Jedi, could keep carrying the torch and lead the sequel trilogy into its final installment. He’s expressed interest in directing another Star Wars film before, but during a recent appearance in Japan (that we learned about via CBR), he made comments that suggest he won’t direct Episode IX—but it also sort of evades the question altogether.

When asked about the possibility of directing the movie in the above video, Johnson responded: “It was never in the plan for me to direct Episode IX, so I don’t know what’s going to happen with it. I was entirely focused on Episode VIII and having this experience, and now I’m just thinking about putting the movie out there and seeing how audiences respond to it. So, no, I’m not really thinking about that right now. Whoever does it, I’m going to be really excited to be an audience member again and to sit down and see what the next filmmaker has to show us and where this story ends up going.”

Note that it’s not a hard pass. He’s understandably focused on polishing The Last Jedi right now. He has to get through release commitments including a premiere and a likely press tour, so I can see why Episode IX wouldn’t be on his mind right now. He did mention the next filmmaker, but maybe, just maybe, he’ll stay on board.

『#スターウォーズ ／ #最後のジェダイ 』スペシャル・ファンミーティングがTOHOシネマズ六本木にて開催！
世界に先駆け来日したライアン・ジョンソン監督とスター・ウォーズ好きの尾上松也さんの記念すべき楽屋裏の初対面は、まさかのフォース対決⁉ pic.twitter.com/pKtHSiHtbb

— スター・ウォーズ公式 (@starwarsjapan) September 11, 2017

During the press event, Johnson also revealed his pal Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who Johnson worked with on Looper, has a cameo in Episode VIII: “He does a cameo as a voice of an alien in the film. It’s a very brief little thing, but it’s fun.”

Would you like to see Johnson step in for Episode IX? Do you think this statement takes him out of the running? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Featured Image: Lucasfilm/Disney

Amy Ratcliffe is an Associate Editor for Nerdist. Follow her on Twitter and keep up with her Disney food adventures on Instagram.

Use the Force for more Star Wars!

• Directors who could helm Episode IX.
• BB-8 meets a First Order BB foe.
• Things we learned from the Phasma novel.