Presences seem to rule the day thus far, as Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), and company prepare to bring the main “Star Wars” saga to a close. Luke (Mark Hamill) is gone, but he continues to guide and advise Rey on how she can bring an end to the First Order and restore peace to the galaxy. The all-too-familiar cackling of the malevolent puppeteer-in-chief Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) proves—however—that the Galactic Empire’s successor plans not to go down without a fight. Luke’s own words are darkly prophetic: “No one’s ever really gone.”
J.J. Abrams—responsible for reigniting the franchise in 2015 with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”—fittingly closes it out with “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” The ninth film—co-written by Abrams and Chris Terrio— is co-produced by Abrams, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, and Michelle Rejwan. The project will also be the last in the canon to feature the timeless scores composed by Oscar-winner John Williams.
Here’s a synopsis:
The remnants of the Resistance face the First Order once again—while reckoning with the past and their own inner turmoil. Meanwhile, the ancient conflict between the Jedi and the Sith reaches its climax, altogether bringing the Skywalker saga to a definitive end.
Here’s what Disney had to add from D23, admittedly, not a lot of details.
President of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” director/writer/producer J.J. Abrams showcased the riveting conclusion to the Skywalker saga. Kennedy and Abrams revved up the audience, introducing nine stars from the film—many of whom marked this as their first D23 Expo appearance: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran and Billy Dee Williams, plus special appearances from R2-D2, BB-8 and the new droid D-O. A brand-new poster was revealed—and gifted to the entire audience. And all were given a look back at the incredible legacy of Star Wars storytelling and treated to a sneak peek of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” which opens in U.S. theaters on Dec. 20, 2019.
Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Billie Lourd, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Anthony Daniels will all return to join Ridley, Boyega, Driver, Hamill, and McDiarmid in this final venture. Princess Leia returns as well, thanks to uncirculated footage of the late Carrie Fisher from the previous two films making this possible. Billy Dee Williams will also make his triumphant return to the “Star Wars” universe, as Lando Calrissian makes his first appearance since 1983’s “Return of the Jedi.” Filling out the rest of the cast will be newcomers such as Keri Russell, Dominic Monaghan, and Oscar nominee Richard E. Grant (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?).
READ MORE: ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ Teaser: The Final Saga Film Is ‘The Rise Of Skywalker’
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”—distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures—is set to have its theatrical release on December 20th. Check out this new poster below, including some details from the presentation, and—as always—may the Force be with you.
"We can't talk about the cast without talking about Carrie Fisher." Leia is the heart of this story, JJ says. #D23Expo #AgentMLovesD23Expo
— Ryan Penagos (@AgentM) August 24, 2019
https://twitter.com/ThePlaylist/status/1165314884441182208
Sizzle reel cut together for the event. Lots in it, ending in a shocking shot of Rey in a black cowl with a RED lightsaber that flips together to make a Maul-like double saber!#D23Expo
— Empire Magazine (@empiremagazine) August 24, 2019
The cast and filmmakers of Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker take the stage at #D23Expo. pic.twitter.com/7XH5b1JoZv
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) August 24, 2019
#TheRiseOfSkywalker cast is here. Keri Russell reveals her character was a "friend" of Poe's in the past. John Boyega immediately pretends to get jealous. "It was in the past, babe," reassures Oscar Isaac. "She means nothing to me." They know their audience. #StarWars #D23Expo
— Alisha Grauso (@AlishaGrauso) August 24, 2019
Keri Russell on her STAR WARS character: "She's really funny and a little bit shady… kind of a criminal, and an old friend of Poe's"
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) August 24, 2019
