J.J. Abrams says Episode IX was not affected by response to The Last Jedi

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Whether you loved or hated (or fell somewhere in between) STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, you're likely aware that the Rian Johnson film proved to be quite divisive among audiences, and there are some who are holding out hope that J.J. Abrams will be righting the ship, so to speak, with the upcoming STAR WARS: EPISODE IX.

Principal photography on STAR WARS: EPISODE IX wrapped up earlier this month, but we still don't know all that much about the concluding chapter of the STAR WARS sequel trilogy, even its title. As far as whether EPISODE IX will change any of the story points of THE LAST JEDI which some took issue with, don't count on it. J.J. Abrams spoke with Entertainment Tonight and was asked whether or not the new film was affected by the criticisms which THE LAST JEDI received.

No, I think that every movie is its own movie, and obviously this is a trilogy. We brought to that movie [Episode IX] all the passion and hard work that we would have no matter what. So I think the story speaks for itself. I really, truly can't wait for you to see it.

J.J. Abrams was also asked how he hopes fans will feel once STAR WARS: EPISODE IX comes to a close. "There are a lot of words that we all hope that you feel," said the secretive director, "and obviously the biggest, most important one I think is 'satisfied.'" Me too, Mr. Abrams. Me too. John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joona Suotamo, and Billie Lourd all returned for the final installment of the Skywalker Saga along with Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, and Carrie Fisher.  There are a few STAR WARS-newbies among the cast as well, including Naomi Ackie (Doctor Who), Richard E. Grant (LOGAN), Keri Russell (The Americans), Dominic Monaghan (Lost), and Matt Smith (The Crown).

STAR WARS: EPISODE IX will hit theaters on December 20, 2019.