After days of speculative chatter, Disney just confirmed that J.J. Abrams, who directed Star Wars: The Force Awakens, will return both to write and direct Star Wars Episode IX. This comes on the heels of Disney and Lucasfilm recently letting go Colin Trevorrow as the film’s director, citing different visions for the installment.
Following Trevorrow’s departure, there was talk that Rian Johnson, who directed this December’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, might step into the ousted director’s shoes. However, that conjecture has now been put to bed.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi hits theaters December 15. Star Wars Episode IX, directed by J.J. Abrams, debuts December 20, 2019.