It’s time! Today, the Star Wars: Episode IX panel hit Celebration Stage at Star Wars Celebration in Chicago, and while host Stephen Colbert couldn’t Jedi mind trick JJ Abrams into giving all the details of the film, we sure did learn a lot we can direct over the next 8 months.
Official Title of Star Wars Episode IX
Well, it’s official. The title of the new installment is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The crowd during the Episode IX panel of Star Wars Celebration gregariously cheered when the title hit the big screen.
The Cast of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
The cast hit the stage in the best way. Host Stephen Colbert first introduced Director/Writer JJ Abrams and Producer/Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, who gave us a few fun facts about filming.
Then the intergalactic scoundrels were all introduced one by one. Here’s the list of the cast on stage, and the other cast members of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, including a few surprising names:
- Daisy Ridley
- John Boyega
- Oscar Isaac
- Kelly Marie Tran
- Anthony Daniels
- Joonas Suotamo
- Billy Dee Williams
- Naomi Acke
- Adam Driver
Yes, Billy Dee Williams is reprising his role as Lando Calrissian! We also got to officially meet Naomi Ackie, who shared her character’s name. Jannah will be another powerful female character in the Star Wars Universe. Rumor has it Jana might be Lando’s daughter, and that would indeed be epic.
The Unique Storyline
While the cast was pretty tight-lipped about the storyline, but the maniacal laughter of The Emperor — yes, THAT Emperor — has us thinking things are going to get dark in The Rise of Skywalker. We had a glimpse of Leia hugging Rey, and we heard the voice of Luke. This will indeed be the end of saga, and I believe we’ll all be satisfied.
The Excitement of JJ Abrams
Listening to JJ Abrams wax poetic about the filming of The Rise of Skywalker was truly a treat. With his work in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, fans have quickly come to adore this director. One quote JJ shared that stuck with the audience was “As they face the greatest evil, are they prepared?” JJ also shared that the whole team go this adventure TOGETHER.
The Official Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Trailer
If you haven’t seen the teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, prepare yourself. Also, did you catch the new droid? D-O is adorable!
