Star Wars: The Force Awakens hit the big screens in 2015 and continued the beloved Skywalker Saga. New and old characters came together to delight millions of moviegoers around the world. In December 2019, J.J. Abrams concludes this epic trilogy with the premiere of Episode IX.
Little is known about the third movie in the trilogy, but anticipation is high. Many fans want to know if Abrams will be able to give a satisfying end to the beast he created. The series has already faced tepid reactions to The Last Jedi and a less than stellar performance of Solo last Summer. The once impenetrable Star Wars armor is starting to see cracks. Fans expect Abrams to deliver an epic conclusion, all the while, make everyone under the sun as happy as Anakin in a Pod Racer.
Filming since last Summer, Star Wars: Episode IX looks to be wrapping in the near future. In a recent Tweet, C-3P0 actor Anthony Daniels let fans know he and his beloved droid had finished shooting for the final installment. Puppeteer Brian Hering confirmed that BB-8 has wrapped as well. With our favorite Droids now done, it’s only a matter of time before Abrams calls it a wrap on the rest of production.
Today was a wrap on BB-8. The last 5 years have been an amazing ride. Thanks to @jjabrams, Kathleen, Neal, #teamBB8 especially Dave and the entire cast & crew for the time of my life. Few people get to live the dream. Thank you. #StarWars #IX #puppeteer #BB8 #StarWarsEpisodeIX pic.twitter.com/Oxa8n1oHu2
— Brian Herring: The Book of BB-8 (@BrianHezza) February 1, 2019
Today was 3PO's last on Episode IX. He's sad – so am I. But we're so proud to have worked with such a lovely, talented cast & crew lead by J.J. & Kathy. I'll miss everyone but I'm glad to know that we've been making something exceptional together, to share with the waiting world.
— Anthony Daniels (@ADaniels3PO) January 28, 2019
Not much else, including the title, has been revealed as of this writing. We know all the new cast members and some returning favorites will be back. Mark Hamill is set to also return. Luke could possibly be a Jedi Ghost or appear in flashback form. Billie Dee Williams is reprising the iconic Lando Calrissian, much to the delight of fans. Sadly, with the passing of Carrie Fisher, plans to focus much of Star Wars: Episode IX around Leia Organa has been altered.
In a casting announcement last summer, Abrams stated, “Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode 9 by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.”
Keri Russell (an Abrams staple), Dominic Monaghan of Lost fame, and The Doctor himself, Matt Smith have all been cast in unknown roles. We’d all love to see Harrison Ford make a return, however, his on-screen death puts the probability of that in doubt.
Can Rey fulfill her destiny in the fight for good and evil? Does Kylo Ren find redemption? Will shippers get their dream of a Poe and Finn relationship? Anything is possible when Star Wars: Episode IX hits theaters this Winter. In the meantime, let’s all rewatch Star Wars: The Last Jedi, perhaps it’s not as bad as everyone thinks.
What are you most excited about with the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga? Let us know in the comments below!
