It's finally here. The very first trailer for Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker has been revealed.
It was launched at the Star Wars Celebration Chicago 2019, following a panel hosted by The Late Show presenter Stephen Colbert and featuring LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy and Episode IX director JJ Abrams, who returns to the franchise after taking the helm for 2015's The Force Awakens.
"We cannot wait for you to see what we're working on," Abrams told the crowd, while Kennedy spoke of the 'responsibility' of making new films for a much-loved series.
The late Carrie Fisher, aka Leia, was also discussed in the panel, with Abrams paying tribute and commenting: "Pricess Leia lives in this film in a way that is kind of mindblowing."
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Following Fisher's sudden death in 2016, fans were devastated at the prospect of not seeing her character complete the story arc, which began with 1977's Star Wars (later retitled Star Wars: A New Hope).
All her scenes for the series' previous movie - 2017's The Last Jedi - had been filmed before her death, however, so her character was able to play a huge part in that film, but initially it wasn't clear where this would leave subsequent episodes.
Luckily, a surprise announcement from Lucasfilm confirmed that 'previously unreleased footage shot for The Force Awakens' would be used in Episode IX, means Fisher's beloved Leia will stay with us to the end - without the use of CGI.
With Abrams back in the director's chair, it might not be unreasonable to a anticipate a similar nod to the original trilogy with this new film, after Rian Johnson's vision for The Last Jedi left fans divided. Episode IX will be the final episode of the sequel trilogy, and we're hoping for a satisfying conclusion to what has been dubbed the 'Skywalker Saga'.
It was confirmed that filming was completed back in January, when Abrams and actor John Boyega (who plays rogue stormtrooper Finn) shared a photo thanking the crew and cast.
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"That's a wrap on Star Wars episode 9 and the end to a chapter of my life that I couldn't be more thankful for," said Boyega.
"What a process! It really has been a joy to be in these movies surrounded by amazing people. JJ thank you for making my dreams come true."
In the meantime, we're still waiting to hear what will happen with regards to Disney's spin-off movies, which joined the franchise with 2016's successful Rogue One. However, following the underwhelming reception to Solo: A Star Wars Story, which was released in May last year, future additions have been shelved for the time being.
Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker is set for release on 20 December 2019.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Star Wars, TV and Film, US Entertainment