Disney and Lucasfilm have released the firstStar Wars 9trailer for the highly anticipated concluding chapter of the newStar Warstrilogy. The title for the new film isStar Wars: The Rise ofSkywalker.
It all began in 2015 withStar Wars: The Force Awakens, in which screenwritersJ.J. Abrams,Lawrence Kasdan, andMichael Arndtconcocted a brand newStar Warsstory in which the galaxy is under threat from the Empire-like First Order, Han and Leia’s son Ben (aka Kylo Ren) is the next Sith lord in line to take up the evil throne, and a young orphan named Rey (Daisy Ridley) displays immense Force powers.
We know pretty much nothing about the story for what is expected to be the final chapter in this newStar Warstrilogy, but Abrams co-wrote the script with Oscar-winningArgowriter (andBatman v Supermanco-writer)Chris Terrioand is back in the director’s chair. In August 2015, beforeThe Force Awakenshad even been released, Lucasfilm announced thatJurassic WorldhelmerColin Trevorrowwould co-write and directStar Wars 9. Trevorrow worked on the screenplay with his frequent co-writerDerek Connollyfor a couple of years, but in September 2017 it was announced that Trevorrow was leaving the film over creative differences. That’s when Abrams took over and rewrote the script from scratch.
This teaser trailer begins with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) voiceover noting that this is Rey’s fight now, and she’s going to have to use all her skills at her disposal to bring down Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. Story-wise, Abrams appears to be pulling things back toForce Awakensterritory afterRian Johnson’sThe Last Jedi:We see Kylo Ren putting his helmet back together, there’s a strong nod towards the Emperor, and even the title could be taken as a suggestion that he’s throwing out Johnson’s whole “Rey’s parents don’t matter” answer. I enjoyForce Awakens, I loveThe Last Jedi, and I’m largely optimistic about this movie, but I will beverydisappointed ifThe Rise of Skywalkerends up being some course-correction following Episode 8. We’ll see!
Check out the firstStar Wars 9trailer below. The cast is anchored by Original Trilogy actors Hamill,Anthony Daniels, andBilly Dee Williams, withCarrie Fisherappearing posthumously using footage that ended up on the cutting room floor fromThe Force Awakens. Also returning areJohn Boyega,Oscar Isaac,Lupita Nyong’o,Domhnall Gleeson,Kelly Marie Tran,Joonas Suotamo, andBillie Lourd, withNaomi Ackie,Richard E. Grant,Keri Russell,Matt Smith, andDominic Monaghanmarking new additions. And yes,John Williamsreturns once more to compose the score.Star Wars 9opens in theaters on December 20th.
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