J.J. Abrams returns to direct Star Wars Episode IX

After a triumphant turn at the helm of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which relaunched the Star Wars Skywalker saga’s third trilogy in 2015, J.J. Abrams is returning to Lucasfilm to write and direct the final movie in the trilogy, Episode IX. Joining Abrams in writing duties will be Chris Terrio.

“With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy.

The move was made necessary after Lucasfilm removed Colin Treverrow from his directing and writing duties on Episode IX after a difference in vision for the film.

This is the move everyone expected Lucasfilm to make. We feel it’s a solid decision. Abrams bring a vision and system of filmmaking that is well suited to the Star Wars galaxy, plus he has a deep love of the story and its characters. There’s a lot riding on this, so get it right, please J.J.!