Overview
If you're looking for your first glimpse of the latest Star Wars movie, there's no need to travel to a galaxy far, far away, because the initial teaser trailer has just dropped in this one. Nine months before the main franchise's ninth episode hits cinemas (and 11th theatrical flick overall), Disney has gifted audiences a sneak peek of what comes next — and the movie's moniker.
Come December, fans will be getting comfy to watch Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker. Right now, there's a two-minute sneak peek to whet your appetite. Given the title, the way that Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi wrapped up and the theories that have been swirling around Daisy Ridley's Rey since she was first introduced in Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens, it should come as no surprise that the scavenger-turned-pilot takes centre stage.
Also popping up are Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron and John Boyega's ex-stormtrooper Finn, helping out the film's plucky heroine once more; Adam Driver's Kylo Ren, wielding his red lightsaber for the dark side yet again; and long-standing series favourites Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO, of course. The late Carrie Fisher features as well, with the actor's appearance as General Leia Organa made possible by using previously filmed footage. And two other familiar characters also rejoin the fold, including Billy Dee Williams' Lando Calrissian and a sinister figure who's heard rather than seen.
The huge cast list keeps going, with Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran and Lupita Nyong'o all returning, Mark Hamill also included, and Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell and Naomi Ackie among the Star Wars newcomers.
As he did with The Force Awakens, JJ Abrams sits in the director's chair. And while this isn't the end of the Star Wars story by any means — a new TV series, The Mandalorian, is headed to Disney's new streaming platform later this year, and two big-screen spinoff trilogies are in development from The Last Jedi helmer Rian Johnson and Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, respectively — The Rise of Skywalker is being badged as the finale of the Skywalker saga.
Feel the force with the first teaser below:
Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker releases in Australian cinemas on December 19.