The man who launched a new era of Star Wars is returning to the franchise. J.J. Abrams will write and direct the as-yet-untitled Star Wars: Episode IX. Chris Terrio (Argo, Justice League) will co-write the film.  Abrams is taking the reins from Colin Treverrow (Jurassic World), who departed the project earlier this month (see "'Star Wars' Parts Ways With Another Director").

Abrams helmed the relaunch of the Star Wars film franchise with Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens.  He is an executive producer on the upcoming sequel, Star Wars: Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, which is written and directed by Rian Johnson (Looper), and a producer on Episode IX.

Abrams is the latest director to take the rudder for a Star Wars film from someone else. Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard is filling director’s chair for the Han Solo standalone film after The Lego Movie directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were fired from the project (see "Ron Howard Takes Reins of Han Solo Film").

The Last Jedi is scheduled to release in theaters on December 15 (see "Best in Shows--Q4 2017").  Episode IX is currently scheduled for May 24, 2019 (see "New Dates for 'Star Wars,' Marvel, Pixar Movies").  The Han Solo standalone will be in theaters on May 25, 2018 (see "Best in Shows – Q2 2018").