Hype for the next installment in the new "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, "Star Wars: Episode 8 - The Last Jedi," is currently at an all time high given its Dec. 15 premiere date. However, reports had previously revealed that there may have been some issues with the production of the franchise's third and final film, "Star Wars: Episode 9."
Change in management
Earlier in the month, the film's original director Colin Trevorrow, who also directed "Jurassic World," announced that he would be leaving the project due to issues with the production company.
Lucasfilm later confirmed this and mentioned that it was due to "creative differences" with the director over the direction of the final installment. Yesterday, Sept. 12, the studio has confirmed that they have now signed on "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" director J.J. Abrams to take over the project and direct the final film.
Other options
According to reports, Lucasfilm was eyeing different directors to take over the project, which included "The Last Jedi" writer and director Rian Johnson. After much consideration, the position was finally given to Abrams. The director will be working on the project as both its writer and director along with Chris Terrio. Aside from the new director, everything else will likely stay the same with the eleventh canon live-action feature film still being produced by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy.
Slight delay
Due to the change that was made, Lucasfilm announced a slight delay with the release of "Star Wars: Episode 9." The studio revealed today that the movie will now see a Dec. 20, 2019 release instead of the originally announced May 24, 2019 release date. Principal photography for the final movie will reportedly begin sometime in early 2018 as scheduled.
Meanwhile, fans can still look forward to the release of the second film in the sequel trilogy, "Star Wars: Episode 8 - The Last Jedi," during the holidays. The film is currently in its post-production phase and is on schedule for its originally announced release date. The upcoming movie will start where the previous film left off.
The movie will see the return of the original movie's cast members including Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, and the late Carrie Fisher. The film will also include a number of new cast members including Kelly Marie Tran, Benicio Del Toro, and Laura Dern. Fisher is also expected to appear in "Star Wars: Episode 9" through the use of unpublished scenes that the actress recorded before she passed away.
