Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, also known as Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, is the ninth and final upcoming episode of Star Wars, as well as the final installment of the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy.

It will be the twelfth theatrically released film in the Star Wars franchise, and was directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Kathleen Kennedy. Abrams also served as a writer alongside Chris Terrio and George Lucas, who provided a treatment for the film.

Produced by Lucasfilm and Bad Robot Productions, the film will be released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on December 20, 2019.

Premise
The remnants of the Resistance face the First Order once again while reckoning with the past and their own inner turmoil. Meanwhile, the ancient conflict between the Jedi and the Sith reaches its climax, altogether bringing the Skywalker saga to a definitive end.

Cast

 * Daisy Ridley as Rey
 * Adam Driver as Ben Solo/Kylo Ren
 * John Boyega as Finn
 * Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron
 * Lupita Nyong'o as Maz Kanata
 * Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux
 * Kelly Marie Tran as Rose Tico
 * Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca
 * Billie Lourd as Lieutenant Connix
 * Naomi Ackie as Jannah
 * Richard E. Grant as Allegiant General Pryde
 * Keri Russell as Zorri Bliss
 * Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
 * Anthony Daniels as C-3PO
 * Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
 * Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa (unreleased footage)
 * Ian McDiarmid as Palpatine/Darth Sidious
 * Greg Grunberg as Snap Wexley
 * Brian Herring as BB-8 (puppeteer)
 * Jimmy Vee as R2-D2 (puppeteer)
 * TBA as Klad
 * TBA as D-O
 * Dominic Monaghan as TBA

Development
Unofficial reports claimed in November 2012 that Lawrence Kasdan, who wrote the screenplays for both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and co-writer Simon Kinberg would divide writing responsibilities for The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, and both would co-produce all three films of the upcoming sequel trilogy, alongside Kathleen Kennedy.

However, in February 2013, Disney confirmed that Kasdan and Kinberg were working on standalone films, not Sequel Trilogy episodes.

During a concert with the Young Musician's Foundation Debut Orchestra on February 9, composer John Williams stated that he was hoping to get the chance to write the musical scores for the entire new trilogy. His involvement was made official when Star Wars Insider 144 stated he would score the "new Star Wars trilogy". Later in 2018, it was revealed that this will be the last Star Wars film Williams will be composing the score.

In August 2015, it was announced that Colin Trevorrow would write and direct the film. However, in September 2017 it was announced that Trevorrow left the film due to creative differences.

Lead actors Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Lupita Nyong'o, and Oscar Isaac are all signed on to return in the film, as well as Adam Driver, who portrays the trilogy's main antagonist.

On September 12, 2017, it was announced that J.J. Abrams will return to direct the film, replacing Colin Trevorrow, with Chris Terrio announced to be writing the script with Abrams. It was further announced later in the day that the film had been delayed to December 20, 2019.

The first trailer for the film was released in April 2019 during Star Wars Celebration Chicago. The film's title was revealed via this trailer, the end of which also revealed that Ian McDiarmid would be returning as Emperor Palpatine, the overarching main antagonist of the series.