While Star Wars: The Last Jedi picked up directly after the conclusion of The Force Awakens, there’s traditionally been a time jump between episodes in the Star Wars saga, and it seems that is going to be the case once again when Star Wars: Episode IX arrives next year.
During an interview with Empire, actor John Boyega – who plays First Order defector-turned-Resistance hero Finn – has reportedly confirmed that the events of the J.J. Abrams-helmed Episode IX take place roughly one year after The Last Jedi.
It had long been speculated that we’d be in for a time jump, perhaps even as a way to write the character of General Leia out of the story following the passing of Carrie Fisher – although it has of course since been confirmed that Leia will appear in the movie thanks to unused footage from The Force Awakens.
SEE ALSO: John Boyega offers a behind-the-scenes peek at the set of Star Wars: Episode IX
Star Wars: Episode IX is set for release on December 20th 2019 with J.J. Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) directing a cast that includes Star Wars veterans Daisy Ridley (Rey), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), Billie Lourd (Lieutenant Connix), Greg Grunberg (Snap Wexley), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) and Carrie Fisher (Leia Organa) as well as new additions Naomi Ackie (Lady Mabeth), Richard E. Grant (Logan), Dominic Monaghan (Lost), Matt Smith (Doctor Who) and Keri Russell (The Americans).
