'Star Wars: Episode IX': J.J. Abrams Back To Write and Direct

Following the departure of Colin Trevorrow from “Star Wars: Episode IX,” J.J. Abrams—who previously helmed “The Force Awakens”—has been brought in once again to direct the final entry of the new “Star Wars” trilogy, according to Lucasfilm.
Abrams was among the frontrunners to direct “Star Wars: Episode IX” ever since Trevorrow was booted out. “The Last Jedi’s” Rian Johnson was also being considered; but over the weekend, Johnson said that he won’t be coming on board to direct Episode IX.
Aside from directing, Abrams will also co-write the script with “Justice League” and “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice” writer Chris Terrio.

Is ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ finally in capable hands?

The director’s return to the “Star Wars” saga is something that fans have been clamoring for ever since Trevorrow’s departure was announced. More likely, this will bring stability to the problematic predicament of the franchise following the recent firing of its directors for different films in the saga.
And when it comes to space talk, Abrams is no stranger to it as well. He previously directed “Star Trek Into Darkness” in 2013 after the “Star Trek” franchise reboot in 2009. And for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Abrams is one of its executive producers. This makes it easier for the director to rejoin the helm instead of bringing in a new director into the fold.

Abrams’ return for “Star Wars: Episode IX” comes as no surprise as well. He did a great job in reviving the “Star Wars” franchise in 2015 with “The Force Awakens,” and people have fallen in love with the director’s style. However, in January of last year, Abrams told The Hollywood Reporter that he didn’t want to return for Episode VIII because of the extremely taxing job of shooting the films back-to-back. “If The Force Awakens worked, it was the perfect place to say, ‘I got to make a Star Wars movie,’ and not be a greedy bastard,” the director said.
With Abrams now back to direct the epic conclusion to the new “Star Wars” trilogy, fans can now rest assured that the franchise is indeed in capable hands.
“Star Wars: Episode IX” was slated for a May 24, 2019 release. However, according to the new announcement by Lucasfilm, it has now been bumped off to December 20, 2019.