‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ Snags Writer/Director J.J. Abrams

Star Wars director J.J. Abrams

Lucasfilm and Disney have found a replacement for Star Wars: Episode IX‘s recently dismissed director Colin Trevorrow. J.J. Abrams has been confirmed to handle both writing and directing Star Wars: Episode IX. Abrams previously directed 2005’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the film which launched the rebirth of the movie franchise.

Rian Johnson, director of the upcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi, had been asked to take on the directing job following Trevorrow’s exit. However, he apparently passed on the opportunity and J.J. Abrams said yes when offered Episode IX.

Abrams will be completing the sequel trilogy by directing and co-writing the film with Chris Terrio. He’ll also produce Star Wars: Episode IX with Bad Robot, Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, and Lucasfilm.

“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,” stated Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy.

Star Wars: Episode IX is targeting a December 20, 2019 theatrical release.