Everything we know about Episode IX

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (also known as Star Wars Episode IX) is the third and final film of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, continuing and bringing to a close the story threads set in motion in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. But what do we really know about the ninth chapter of the Star Wars saga?

This article will be regularly updated as new information is confirmed, and we'll avoid rumours so you can be sure you have the facts.

Spoiler Warning
While I don't intend to reveal major plot spoilers here, please be aware that due to the nature of this article some may remain as the presence of some characters may give away some details. If in doubt, go read something else!

Last updated: May 2019

Newest Information

Matt Smith and Dominic Monaghan have both been removed from cast lists on official Disney websites.

Keri Russell's character is Zorri Bliss, who we will meet in the Thieves' Quarter on a new planet called Kijimi.

Rochard E Grant's character is Allegiant General Pryde, an office of the First Order.

A new species of creature called "orbak" has been introduced, and promotional imagary shows Jannah (Naomi Ackie) and Finn riding these.

The natives of the planet Pasaana have been revealed. They are called the Aki-Aki and look somewhat similar to the Quarren.

The presence of the Knights of Ren has been confirmed,

See also: The Rise of Skywalker: New characters revealed

Teaser Trailer

Release Date

Star Wars Episode IX is currently set for release on 20 December 2019.

Disney had initially announced the release date as 24 May 2019, but this was pushed back due to production delays.

Production

Principal photography began at Pinewood Studios near London on 1st August 2018, and is expected to complete in February 2019. Some scenes have also been filmed in Wadi Rum, Jordan.

The working title is “Black Diamond”. IMAX cameras will be used to film some sequences.

The film's soundtrack will once again be scored by Star Wars veteran John Williams. Williams has said that this will be his final Star Wars movie.

In February 2018, Paul Inglis joined as the Lead Supervising Art Director. He had previously worked on Blade Runner 2049, Prometheus, and Skyfall.

Principle photography wrapped on 15 February 2019, as announced by director JJ Abrams.

Brian Herring wrapped up as operator of BB-8 on 1st February, and Anthony Daniels finished C-3PO's last scenes on 28 January.

Setting

Around a year has passed since the events of The Last Jedi, according to John Boyega.

Cast and Crew

Cast confirmed:

• Daisy Ridley as Rey
• Adam Driver as Kylo Ren
• John Boyega as Finn
• Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron
• Lupita Nyong'o as Maz Kanata
• Domhnal Gleeson as General Hux
• Kelly Marie Tran as Rose Tico
• Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca
• Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
• Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa
• Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
• Billie Lourd as Lieutenant Connix
• Greg Grunberg as Temmin "Snap" Wexley
• Naomi Ackie as Jannah
• Ian McDiarmid as Palpatine
• Anthony Daniels as C-3P0
• Jimmy Vee as R2-D2
• Brian Herring as BB-8 and D-O
• Richard E Grant as Allegiant Admiral Pryde
• Keri Russell as Zorri Bliss

Crew confirmed:

• Director - JJ Abrams
• Writers - JJ Abrams, Chris Terrio
• Producers - Kathleen Kennedy, JJ Abrams, Michelle Rejwan
• Cinematographer - John Schwartzman
• Art Director - Paul Inglis
• Music - John Williams

Director

JJ Abrams is returning to direct Episode IX, with Kathleen Kennedy producing. It was previously slated to be directed by Colin Trevorrow, who worked closely with The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson to ensure continuity between their respective movies. Trevorrow left the project in September 2017 due to “creative differences”. Disney had to pay off Paramount Pictures to secure Abrams, as he had breached contract with them for The Force Awakens.

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher was due to have a major role in Episode IX as General Leia Organa. When she tragically passed away in December 2016 the story team “pretty much started over”, according to Kathleen Kennedy.

Lucasfilm was quick to quash rumors that Leia would be digitally recreated, similar to Tarkin’s appearance in Rogue One. Fisher's brother and daughter have granted rights for Lucasfilm to use recent footage of her, but Kennedy has since stated that Fisher will not be in Episode IX.

In July 2018 it was announced that with the blessing of Fisher's family unused footage from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi will be used to allow the inclusion of Leia.

Sadly I am not all-knowing. If I've missed something or have made an error, please let me know in the comments below!