Lucasfilm and partner Disney has officially announced the cast for Star Wars: Episode IX.
The film is now officially in production with director J.J. Abrams back behind the camera. The shoot is expected to last several month and will bring Disney’s first Star Wars trilogy to a close.
The film will see the return of 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), and Billie Lourd (Lieutenant Connix).
Two newcomers to the Star Wars universe will also make their debut: Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant have both joined the ensemble cast in undisclosed roles.
Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), and Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) will also all return to reprise their iconic roles from previous films.
The announcement also confirmed that the late Carrie Fisher will also appear in the film. The actress will make her appearance thanks to unused footage from Abrams previously entry The Force Awakens.
In a statement the director said:
“We desperately loved Carrie Fisher. 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 IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.”
It has also been confirmed that veteran composer John Williams will return to score the film.
Star Wars: Episode IX hits cinemas December 20, 2019.
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