The first trailer forStar Wars 9is here. Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012 at a time when it seemed like we had seen the last of a galaxy far, far away on the big screen. But their $4 billion mega-purchase from George Lucas ensured that the franchise would live on for years and years to come. But as for the Skywalker saga that we’ve been following ever since 1977? Well, if we’re to take the studio at their word, this is going to be the end of that saga. At the very least, it’s the end of this first new trilogy during the Disney era of Star Wars and, to say the least, it’s a significant moment in the franchise’s long history.
Up to this point, the studio has been very shy about showing their hand. TheseStar Wars movies, or any big blockbuster for that matter, tend to be pretty secretive. But this feels especially locked up tight. This footage gives us our first real indication of what to expect, especially considering the studio didn’t even reveal the title ahead of Star Wars Celebration. Can Kylo Ren be redeemed? Will Rey successfully rebuild the Jedi order? Can the Resistance topple the First Order even though, when last we saw them, the organization was in shambles? So many questions, even with this trailer.
What we know for sure is that there is a ton of pressure for this movie to deliver. J.J. Abrams got this new era of Star Wars off to a solid, if safe start withThe Force Awakensin 2015, which grossed more than $2 billion worldwide. Then Abrams passed the torch to Rian Johnson for episode VIII, which we would come to know asThe Last Jedi. More than a year later, it remains themost divisive movie in the history of the franchise. Abrams admitted recently he was reluctant to return for this movie. It’s understandable why.
Love it or hate it, Disney wants a movie that can unite the fanbase once again. AfterJurassic Worlddirector Colin Trevorrow departed the project, J.J. Abrams was brought back on board to finish what he started. He’s bringing some familiar faces with him in the form of Mark Hamill who is back as Luke Skywalker (because Jedi never really die), Billy Dee Williams is finally coming back asLando Calrissian, Anthony Daniels is returning as C-3PO and, most impressively, Carrie Fisher will once again return as Princess Leia, with Abrams using footage fromThe Force AwakensandThe Last Jedito bring her back for one last go around.
Other returning faces include Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Kelly Marie Tran and Adam Driver. Newcomers to the franchise include Keri Russell, Dominic Monaghan and recent Oscar-nominee Richard E. Grant. With any luck, this will be the movie to restore balance to the Force. Star Wars Episode IX is set to hit theaters on Aug 09, 2025. Be sure to check out the brand new trailer to see whatLucasfilmhas in store for us.
