Lucasfilm Reveals 'Star Wars Episode IX' Title, 'The Rise Of Skywalker' First Trailer Released

With Star Wars Celebration in full swing this week in Chicago, speculation has run rampant about what Lucasfilm could unveil about “Star Wars Episode IX.” Following the “Episode IX” panel on Friday, fans now have plenty to digest.

The panel, hosted by Stephen Colbert, offered several teases as to what fans can expect from the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga. While director JJ Abrams and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy did not want to reveal too much, pictures offered first looks at the upcoming films. These included the first look at Billy Dee Williams' return as Lando Calrissian, the introduction of Jannah, played by Naomie Ackie, and a new droid to roll alongside BB-8.

JJ did take the chance to explain how the late Carrie Fisher would be featured in the film. He explained that recasting or using CGI for the actress was out of the question, but he still wanted to work General Leia in somehow. Instead of using either, the film will use extra footage that went unused in “The Force Awakens” of Fisher to bring her into “Episode IX”.

Ultimately, the panel built to the first teaser trailer for “Episode IX,” offering fans a first glimpse at Rey, Finn, and Poe’s latest adventure. Some of those teases include Rey facing down Kylo Ren’s TIE fighter, a woodland battle between the First Order and the Resistance, a chase that sees Finn and Poe trying to escape on a speeder, and Kylo Ren’s helmet being re-forged. All these occur with Luke narrating over the scenes shown in the trailer.

Two of the biggest teases come at the end of the trailer, with the heroes standing on a beach. When the camera flips, it’s revealed they are looking at the remains of one of the Death Stars, though it isn’t clear if it is the first or second Death Star. The trailer then cuts to black, where Ian McDiarmid’s Emperor Palpatine can be heard laughing.

The trailer closes, revealing the title of the film to be “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”.

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” opens in theaters on Dec. 20, 2019.