J.J. Abrams is to return to ‘Star Wars’ for the upcoming ninth instalment, it has been confirmed.
The director achieved huge success when he helmed 2015′s ‘The Force Awakens’, and it’s now been announced that he’s set to return for what is thought to be the final instalment in the new trilogy.
On Tuesday (12 September), ‘Star Wars’ shared the news in a statement, revealing he will be both writing and directing the ninth film in the sci-fi saga.
LucasFilms chief Kathleen Kennedy said: “With ‘The Force Awakens’, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy.”
This comes following the departure of Colin Trevorrow, who it was revealed was stepping down as director over the weekend due to “creative differences”.
Just three months into filming on ‘Episode IX’ a statement from the film company regarding the “mutual” decision explained: “Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ.
“We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon.”
As well as winning plaudits for ‘The Force Awakens’, J.J. Abrams was previously involved in the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ films, as well as serving as an executive producer on the hit TV series ‘Lost’.
The eighth film in the ‘Star Wars’ series, ‘The Last Jedi’, is currently slated for release in December, with Rian Johnson having taken over directing duties.
Star Wars The Force Awakens
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Open Image ModalA dark warrior strong with the Force, Kylo Ren commands First Order missions with a temper as fiery as his unconventional lightsaber. (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalA dark warrior strong with the Force, Kylo Ren commands First Order missions with a temper as fiery as his unconventional lightsaber. (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalRey helps Finn on Jakku (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalRey and Finn run from First Order of stormtroopers (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalCaptain Phasma of the First Order (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalA First Order TIE fighter chases the Millennium Falcon (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalA First Order TIE fighter chases the Millennium Falcon into remains of old starship (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalA First Order TIE fighter chases the Millennium Falcon (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalChewie, We're home (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalRey, Finn and BB-8 on the run from TIE fighters on Jakku (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalA hooded figure places a hand on R2-D2 (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalC-3PO (with new red arm) and R2-D2 (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalRey stands determined on Jakku (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalKylo Ren attacks (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalFinn arrives at a crashed TIE fighter (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalThe passing a lightsaber (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalA troubled Finn in First Order stormtrooper armor (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalBB-8 peeks around a corner (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalKylo Ren leads the first Order of stormtroopers (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalStormtroopers of the first Order gather (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalCaptain Phasma walks menacingly (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalDestruction in a hangar (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalThe Finalizer, a First Order Star Destroyer reminiscent of Imperial battleships (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalThe First Order assembles (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalGeneral Hux of the first Order (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalRey readies BB-8 for transport with the scavenger Teedo and his semi-mechanical Luggabeast (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalJ.J Abrams directs a scene with Daisy Ridley (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalPoe Dameron walks from his X-wing (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalJ.J Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan talk on set (credit:Disney)
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Open Image ModalRey stands determined on Jakku (credit:Disney)