Well, it looks like J.J. Abrams’ trip into the galaxy far, far away is going to be short lived.
In a recent interview, the director reaffirmed that he would not be returning to direct the ninth entry in the saga. “No, I’m not going to direct Episode IX,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “As much as I am deeply envious of anyone who gets to work with this group of people on the future movies.”
It has been known for sometime now that Rian Johnson (Looper) will be directing Star Wars: Episode VIII, and there have been rumours that Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World) could helm the final part of the new trilogy. However, those rumours were that he would be announced at Comic Con, which we know didn’t happen.
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J.J. Abrams will, however, direct Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which is set for release on December 18th and sees returning stars Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), in addition to Adam Driver (Girls), Oscar Isaac (A Most Violent Year), Andy Serkis (Avengers: Age of Ultron), Domhnall Gleeson (Ex Machina), John Boyega (Attack the Block), Daisy Ridley (Silent Witness), Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave), Ken Leung (Lost), Miltos Yerolemou (Game of Thrones), Max von Sydow (The Exorcist), Jessica Henwick (Spirit Warriors), Christina Chong (24: Live Another Day), Simon Pegg (Star Trek) and newcomers Crystal Clarke and Pip Andersen.
Originally published August 12, 2015. Updated March 1, 2020.
