VIDEO: J.J. Abrams’ ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ Drops Title and First Teaser

“Episode IX” of the star-studded space saga features Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, and John Boyega

April 12, 2019

“Star Wars” fans lightsabers were no doubt fully extended on Friday after Disney and Lucasfilm released both the first teaser for “Episode IX” and also the official title, “The Rise of Skywalker.”

Directed and co-written by Stern Show guest J.J. Abrams, the final chapter of the space saga’s latest trilogy hits theaters in December. While creators remain quiet on any plot details, the title “The Rise of Skywalker” suggests Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and his young apprentice Rey (Daisy Ridley) will again play significant roles.

The teaser lends further credence to that theory and concerns itself mostly with Rey readying her lightsaber while Luke’s ethereal voice offers her some Jedi wisdom. “We’ve passed down all we know,” he tells her (above). “A thousand generations live in you now. But this is your fight.”

Her battle may be the focal point, but she won’t be the only one suiting up for whatever intergalactic skirmish is sure to come. Other returning cast members include past Stern Show guest Adam Driver as the villainous Kylo Ren, John Boyega as Finn, Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, Lupita Nyong’o as Maz Kanata, Kelly Marie Tran as Rose Tico, Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux, and even Billy Dee Williams—last seen in 1983’s “Return of the Jedi”—reprising his role as Lando Calrissian. The quick teaser offers looks at several of those stars as well as franchise newcomers who include Keri Russell, Richard E. Grant, and Dominic Monaghan.

When Driver made his 2015 Stern Show debut, the actor shared the story of how he landed the role of Kylo and revealed how devastating it can be when “Star Wars” spoilers get leaked. “There’s such great lengths that people went to to try and preserve any plot point, that when someone gives it away, it’s kind of crushing,” Adam told Howard. Check out more of that interview here.

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” blasts its way into theaters on Dec. 20.

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