It has been a year to the day since Star Wars: The Last Jedi opened in theaters everywhere in the United States and filmmaker Rian Johnson has taken the opportunity to thank the fans for their reception of Episode VIII over the past year.Johnson, who wrote and directed the Star Wars sequel, tweeted his thanks to the fans through his Twitter account on the anniversary of the film's release.RELATED: Star Wars Concept Art Reveals History of Luke's The Last Jedi Arc

Since the film's release last December, reception among audiences has been divided with many enjoying the film overall while others questioned several storytelling decisions in the film including its depiction of reclusive Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker. In the months following its release, there have been reports that the negative reaction may be partially fueled by Russian bots online to sow discord within the American populace by attacking cultural hallmarks, including Star Wars, to divisive ends.

With The Force Awakens filmmaker JJ Abrams returning to direct and co-write next year's Episode IX, which is currently in the middle of principal photography in London, Johnson has since turned his attention to write, direct and co-produce the murder mystery Knives Out, which is expected to wrap filming next week for a November 2019 release.

RELATED: Halloween's Jamie Lee Curtis Boards Rian Johnson's Knives Out