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.

About The Author

Managing Editor

Jed W. Keith is managing editor for FreakSugar and has been a writer with the site since its start in 2014. He’s a pop culture writer, social media coordinator, PR writer, and technical and educational writer for a variety of companies and organizations. Currently, Jed writes for FreakSugar, coordinates social media for Rocketship Entertainment and GT Races, and writes press copy and pop culture articles for a variety of companies and outlets. His work can also be seen in press releases for the Master Musicians Festival, a Kentucky event that drawn acts such as Willie Nelson, the Counting Crows, Steve Earle, and Wynona Judd. His work was featured in the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con convention book for his interview with comic creator Mike Mignola about the 25th anniversary of the first appearance of Hellboy. Jed also does his best to educate the next generation of pop culture enthusiasts, teaching social studies classes--including History Through Film--to high school students.