Star Wars: Episode IX will hit cinemas on December 20, 2019 with JJ Abrams returning to write and direct

JJ Abrams is returning to the Star Wars franchise to co-write and direct the next instalment, Star Wars Episode IX.

The director was the brains behind The Force Awakens in 2015 and said he was thrilled to be making his return with a new film due to hit cinemas on December 20, 2019.

JJ is replacing Colin Trevorrow, who dropped out of the film in August.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said of the news: “With The Force Awakens, JJ delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for.

“I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy.”

JJ will co-write the film with Oscar winning Chris Terrio.

Star Wars Episode IX has a planned release date for May 24, 2019.

JJ’s The Force Awakens had phenomenal success and at the time had the biggest opening in US history.

In its first weekend, it took in over £235 million, according to Disney.

Earlier this year it was rumoured the late Carrie Fisher would have some kind of role in Episode IX.

But Star Wars bosses have confirmed it will not be happening.

Speaking to Good Morning America, Kathleen said: “He was probably confused, because we've finished everything in eight and Carrie is absolutely phenomenal in the movie. We're so happy that we were able to complete shooting in the summer.

“Unfortunately Carrie passed away. So by the time we were well underway in Episode Nine in our thoughts, we had not written a script yet, but we've regrouped, we started over again in January.

“So sadly, Carrie will not be in nine. But we'll see a lot of her in eight, which is great.”

The star reprised her role as General Leia Organa in the Episode VII: The Force Awakens and a CGI version of her younger self appeared in the final scene of the recent Rogue One spin off which was released just days before her death.

Star Wars fans got their first glimpse of Carrie in the upcoming film during Friday's debut of The Last Jedi trailer at the annual Star Wars celebration event in Orlando, Florida.

She presides over a control panel, her back to the camera but still very much recognisable due to her iconic bunches.

Carrie passed away aged on December 27, four days after she stopped breathing for 10 minutes on a flight from London to LAX .

Family spokesperson Simon Halls said: “It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning.

“She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”

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