It has been a weekend of surprises at Star Wars Celebration for the enthusiastic fans in attendance as the title of the final installment of the Skywalker saga was also revealed, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and along with the first trailer for the film a brand-new teaser poster.
The film sees the return of stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie (Doctor Who), Richard E. Grant (Gosford Park, Hudson Hawk), Dominic Monaghan (Lost), Keri Russell (The Americans), and Matt Smith (Doctor Who), who will be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian. The role of Leia Organa will once again be played by Carrie Fisher, using previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
In addition to directing, Abrams also wrote Episode IX alongside Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League scribe Chris Terio. Details regarding the film’s plot are being kept under wraps. The film will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams and Michelle Rejwan, with Callum Greene and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. Episode IX is currently in production.
Star Wars: Episode IX is set to hit theaters on December 20, 2019.