Rejoice you all, Star Wars Episode IXhas started filming.
Just last week the cast and crew began creating the final chapter in the now third trilogy of the popular sci-fi franchise. While much of the plot remains a mystery, we did finally get some answers out of returning director J.J. Abrams.
Amongst other things, Mark Hamill will be returning as Luke Skywalker, Carrie Fisher will reprise her role as Leia Organa through unreleased footage from Star Wars: The Force Awakensand Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Additionally, and as a big surprise/relief to fans, Billy Dee Williams is returning as the smoothest smuggler Lando Calrissian.
“We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” says Abrams. “Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker sage without her eluded us. We were never going to recast her, or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VIII.”
Also returning for Episode IX are Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Anthony Daniels and Billie Lourd.
Kerri Russell, Naomi Ackie, and Richard E. Grant are the only newcomers announcd thus far, though we wouldn’t be surprised if more talent is announced as production continues.
John Williams will be returning to score (a job he has had since 1977’sStar Wars: A New Hope) and Abrams will serve as writer alongside Justice Leaguehelmer Chris Terrio.
Star Wars: Episode IX doesn’t yet have an official logline, but we do knw that it will fly into theaters on December 20, 2019.
