Everything You Need to Know About Star Wars: Episode IX

Star Wars has been one of the world's most beloved franchises since the '70s. Its magic is undeniable, especially when you factor in the action, romance and overall sense of adventure fans have been experiencing since Star Wars: A New Hope took us to a galaxy far, far away.

But with the original trilogy and prequels out of the way, J.J. Abrams reignited the franchise thanks to 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which was followed by Rian Johnson's Star Wars: The Last Jedi. As polarizing as the new series has been so far, though, we're equally excited for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the final chapter in this latest trilogy. So, let's get you up to speed in time for when it hits the big screen on Dec. 20!

HOW DID THE DEBUT TRAILER LOOK?

As expected, with the Star Wars Celebration in Chicago sending fans into a fever pitch, Disney/Lucasfilm released the first trailer at the convention. A special panel, which included Abrams and Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy, as well as the cast gave fans a look at probably the biggest teaser the franchise has ever had.

Filming wrapped in February, so while post-production is still underway, we didn't expect too much and Abrams cleverly remains coy with key details. It's mostly based in a desert setting, throwing back to Rian Johnson's The Last Jedi, featuring Rey rocking her new white lightsaber. We also see her friends, Poe Dameron, Finn, C-3PO and Co., on swashbuckling adventures on this same planet, hinting the film won't be taking place in space as much. However, quick, beautifully cinematic shots to take our heroes to various locations, teasing a potential treasure hunt across the galaxy again.

WHO'S STARRING IN IT?

Finn, Rey and Rose From Star Wars: Episode IX - The Last Jedi

On the Light Side, the Resistance will be led by the usual suspects: Daisy Ridley as Rey, John Boyega as Finn and Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron. We're also anxious to see how Abrams sends the late Carrie Fisher off as General Leia. Her daughter, Billie Lourd, returns as rebel officer Connix, with Kelly Marie Tran's Rose Tico, Joonas Suotamo's Chewbacca, Anthony Daniels' C-3PO, Lupita Nyong'o's Maz Kanata, Billy Dee Williams's Lando Calrissian and, last but not least, Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker (as a Force ghost) helping fight the First Order. Richard E. Grant, Naomi Ackie and Keri Russell are also involved in undisclosed roles.

When it comes to the Dark Side, Adam Driver's Kylo Ren is back as leader of the First Order after he killed Supreme Leader Snoke. The biggest surprise, however, comes with Ian McDiarmid reprising his role as Emperor Palpatine. They'll be joined by Domhnall Gleeson, who's returning as General Hux. Of course, with a Darth Vader appearance rumored, we don't know if James Earl Jones or Hayden Christensen will cameo, or if Frank Oz will again play Yoda.

NEXT PAGE: There Are Some Wild Rumors Going Into Star Wars: Episode IX

WHAT'S THE PLOT?

Details have been kept secret, but we do know the movie is tackling the fallout from The Last Jedi, as well as the rebels dealing with the assault on Crait and the loss of Luke. That 2017 film ended with Rey stealing the sacred Jedi texts, and we're already seeing her as a more advanced Force user, possibly with Luke's voiceover hinting he's guiding her as a Force Ghost. Notably, Rey's locked in an emotional embrace that'll most likely send Leia off, so it remains to be seen how Finn, Poe and a returning Lando will play bigger roles in the Resistance in her absence.

The trailer does confirm this film will mark the end of the Skywalker saga, but we're not sure what the title means exactly. When Luke says, "No one's ever really gone," we hear Palpatine cackling, so it stands to reason Rey may be ushering in a new era of Force users to combat a new Sith threat arising. As for Kylo, he's stitching back up his mask, so we're eager to see what control Palpatine is exerting on him, and if the former Emperor returns physically or as a Ghost as well.

WILD RUMORS AND THEORIES

As mentioned, Vader's rumored to appear, but the most noteworthy piece of speculation comes from chatter suggesting Kylo's Knights of Ren will bring word of a greater, darker threat to the galaxy in the form of monsters from an unknown space abyss called the Beyond. Could they be responsible for bringing back Palpatine from here? Either way, theorists believe a new Sith Order will be forming from the ashes of Return of the Jedi.

There are also claims Kylo might be the Skywalker the title is referring to, leading him to redeem himself and team up with Rey. Fans believe they'll unite against Palpatine, thus bringing the balance to the Force we've heard so much about since the first trilogy. As wild a notion as it is, this approach is pretty intriguing and certainly leads to the burning of the past.

WHERE DOES THE FRANCHISE GO AFTER?

star wars the last jedi luke skywalker leia organa

Rian Johnson's separate trilogy is still in play, and that's been said to be veering far away from the mysticism and grandeur of the Force that's enveloped the nine movies so far. We're in the dark as to what Johnson has planned, but past rumors suggested his new direction could follow a more military style story, akin to what we saw in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Disney+ also has The Mandalorian (which is set just after Return of the Jedi), so fans are eager to see if its success brings forth new movies to the streaming service that could be tied into the aftermath of The Rise of Skywalker. Last but not least, the Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are set to begin production on their own Star Wars films, and while rumors indicate they could be eyeing the era of the Old Republic, there's always the chance we've been misdirected and they could be mapping out an era without the Skywalkers. But now, with the title suggesting the Skywalker philosophy is now getting a revamp, who knows, maybe Star Wars has more stories in mind with Luke's doctrines and Rey at the helm charting the course.

Directed and co-written by J.J. Abrams, Star Wars: Episode IX stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Keri Russell, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams and Carrie Fisher, with Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant. The film is scheduled to open on Dec. 20.