JJ Abrams to return as director of Star Wars: Episode IX

Jewish filmmaker to replace Colin Trevorrow for the latest sci-fi movie which he'll co-write and direct

The Force Awakens filmmaker JJ Abrams will return to a galaxy far, far away to replace Colin Trevorrow as the director of Star Wars: Episode IX.

Trevorrow, who made Jurassic World, parted company with the film last week.

Abrams will co-write the film with Chris Terrio, as well as serving as director.

Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, said: “With The Force Awakens, JJ delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy.”

Abrams delivered a huge box office success with Episode VII The Force Awakens in 2015.

Episode VIII The Last Jedi, which will be released in cinemas on December 14, was directed by Rian Johnson.

Trevorrow’s departure from the franchise came just months after Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were replaced as directors of the Han Solo spin-off movie by veteran filmmaker Ron Howard.

That film, which is still untitled, is due for release in May 2018.