Rian Johnson, who busy "chugging away" on his next "Star Wars" films, claims he doesn't know much about "Star Wars: Episode IX," which J.J. Abrams is directing.

When asked by MTV News at CinemaCon if he'd seen a cut of "Episode IX" yet or read a script, Johnson answered, "I've had a couple of conversations with [Abrams], but I've actually really enjoyed sitting back, waiting to get my popcorn opening day and see how the thing turns out."

Is Johnson, who directed "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," really that out of the loop? And is he actually going to have to wait for opening day to see the next "Star Wars" movie? Sounds unlikely, but it's a good way to dodge spoilers.

When asked specifically whether he'd mind if Abrams "retcons" Rey's parentage (that is, upgrading them from mere nobodies), Johnson simply said, "I want to let go of all my expectations. I want to sit back. I want to be entertained. I want to be surprised. I want to be thrilled. I want him to do stuff that I wasn't expecting him to do and just go along for the ride."

As for his own upcoming "Star Wars" projects, he says he's "excited" and "can't wait to get back into it," but gave no specifics.

He also gave a thumbs-up whatever "Game of Thrones" showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss do with their own "Star Wars" movies. "I'm friends with Dan and David, so to see two people like them just be given the reins to go out and show us what 'Star Wars' is to them... for me, the most exciting stuff is pushing the limits of stuff that we haven't seen before in 'Star Wars.'"

So, space dragons?

"Star Wars: Episode IX" opens December 20. We'll likely find out more -- maybe even the official full title -- at Star Wars Celebration next week.

Meanwhile, Johnson's next film, the star-studded mystery thriller "Knives Out," opens this Thanksgiving.