Star Wars

J.J. Abrams takes over as 'Star Wars: Episode IX' director - UPDATED

[Photo by: Lucasfilm]

ORIGINAL POST: Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 4 p.m. EDT

So, a new director working on Star Wars: Episode IX apparently means that the film will also take a bit more time to create. The official Star Wars twitter account has tweeted that Episode IX's original release date for May 24, 2019 (as stated below), has now been delayed to December 20, 2019.

J.J. gets seven extra months!

ORIGINAL POST: Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. EDT

Looks like filmmaker J.J. Abrams is returning to the Star Wars director's chair! In a bit of breaking Star Wars: Episode IX news, it's being reported that Abrams is stepping in to direct the upcoming Star Wars sequel (and third installment in the Star Wars sequel trilogy), scheduled for release on May 24, 2019.

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As covered by Consequence Of Sound, director Colin Trevorrow (of Safety Not Guaranteed and Jurassic World fame) has dropped out of directing Star Wars: Episode IX, to be replaced by Abrams. Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy confirmed the directorial change in a press release.

“With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for,” Kennedy says, “and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy.” Kennedy is, of course, referring to Abrams' work on the first installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy that relaunched the franchise.

Are you stoked to have Abrams back in action as director for Episode IX? What's your favorite Star Wars film? Are you ready to bullseye some womp rats?

Let us know! Sound off on your favorite Star Wars director in the comments.

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