J.J. Abrams to Write and Direct 'Star Wars: Episode IX'

J.J. Abrams will return to the galaxy far, far away. Walt Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm confirmed that the director will helm the third film in the latest "Star Wars" trilogy. The news was announced this morning on StarWars.com.

Abrams joined the Star Wars Universe when he directed "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." That film was the highest grossing of 2015. It also holds the record as the highest grossing film of all time in domestic sales, and the third highest worldwide. In addition to "The Force Awakens," the celebrated director also saw massive success with "Mission: Impossible 3" and reinvigorated the "Star Trek" franchise.

Abrams will co-write the "Episode IX" script with Academy Award winning screenwriter Chris Terrio. He won the Academy Award for Adapted Screenplay with the Best Picture winner "Argo" in 2012. He also wrote the commercially successful "Batman v. Superman," and the upcoming "Justice League."

The news comes days after controversial choice, Colin Trevorrow, left the project. While the studio and Trevorrow say the split was mutual, word is that the "Jurassic World" director had major creative differences with Lucasfilm head and Executive Producer Kathleen Kennedy.

There are no details yet about the plot for the ninth "Star Wars" film. The eighth film, "The Last Jedi" will be in theaters on December 15.

"Star Wars: Episode IX" is set to hit theaters on May 24, 2019.

Tell us: What do you think of J.J. Abrams returning to direct "Star Wars: Episode IX?" Comment below and share your thoughts!

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