The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna 279 | Rian Johnson on Writing High-Concept Stories with Deep Emotional Stakes
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Jan 19, 2026 
Rian Johnson, the creative force behind films like Knives Out and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, dives into the art of storytelling with Meg LeFauve. He shares insights on balancing high-concept ideas with deep emotional stakes, highlighting how character motivations drive plots. Rian emphasizes the importance of clear character introductions and effective outlining to navigate complex narratives. He encourages emerging storytellers to embrace their unique voices while tackling themes drawn from personal experiences, making every story resonate.
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Rewrite Changed Antagonist Identity
- Johnson recounts a rewrite where changing a character from boyfriend to uncle forced a full rethink of motive and backstory.
- He paused production to dig into the antagonist's philosophy and worldview.
Begin With Genre And Emotional Question
- Start with two connecting pillars: the genre and the emotional question you want the story to ask.
- Let those two elements serve each other so the genre amplifies the emotional stakes.
Discover Recurring Characters Anew
- Treat recurring characters as newly discovered within each story rather than fixed biographies.
- Shape Benoit Blanc around the protagonist and the film's theme to keep him fresh.