The 'Episode VII' writer/director returns to the franchise to captain the final film in the sequel trilogy after Colin Trevorrow was ousted earlier this month.
In a post on the Star Wars official site, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said: "With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy."
Abrams' part in launching the new era of Star Wars films cannot be downplayed, with his commitment to the film and its universe (he's responsible BB-8 after all) as well as the marketing behind it helping re-establish 'Star Wars' as one of the most profitable and substantial intellectual properties on the planet.
Abrams will co-write the film with Chris Terrio, who worked on 'Justice League' and 'Batman V Superman' (ugh) but also 'Argo' (well, that's a relief). 'Star Wars: Episode IX' is scheduled for release on May 24th, 2019 with production expected to begin in January..
