3, … 2, … 1, theories incoming…
Theory 1: Disney liked Episode 8 so much that they wanted Rian Johnson as the director of Episode 9 as well.
Theory 2: They liked how Ron Howard turned the Han Solo movie and wanted him to direct a star wars movie from the beginning.
Ron Howard doesn’t have enough time to get Han Solo finished and do 9. I’m still expecting Han Solo to move to 12/18 and 9 to go to 12/19 because that’s done very well for Disney so far.
I’m guessing Carrie’s passing put a lot of pressure on Colin and his failure this year only exasperated the situation. Also Jurassic World was a decent popcorn flick (though Chris Pratt kept his shirt on when he could have gone open vest only for the final act), but I expect more from what could very well be the finale of the Skywalker Saga.
Rian Johnson doing Last Jedi and 9? I will save my final judgement for Dec, but I would tentatively be ok with that. The cast love him, Lucasfilm and Disney execs love him and the movie looks great.