J.J. Abrams is to return to âStar Warsâ for the upcoming ninth instalment, it has been confirmed.
The director achieved huge success when he helmed 2015âČs âThe Force Awakensâ, and itâs now been announced that heâs set to return for what is thought to be the final instalment in the new trilogy.
On Tuesday (12 September), âStar Warsâ shared the news in a statement, revealing he will be both writing and directing the ninth film in the sci-fi saga.
LucasFilms chief Kathleen Kennedy said: âWith âThe Force Awakensâ, 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.â
This comes following the departure of Colin Trevorrow, who it was revealed was stepping down as director over the weekend due to âcreative differencesâ.
Just three months into filming on âEpisode IXâ a statement from the film company regarding the âmutualâ decision explained: âColin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ.
âWe wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon.â
As well as winning plaudits for âThe Force Awakensâ, J.J. Abrams was previously involved in the rebooted âStar Trekâ films, as well as serving as an executive producer on the hit TV series âLostâ.
The eighth film in the âStar Warsâ series, âThe Last Jediâ, is currently slated for release in December, with Rian Johnson having taken over directing duties.