The Skywalker saga is nearly concluded. The story that started over 40 years ago with A New Hope, then called Star Wars, will conclude with the upcoming Star Wars: Episode IX. And now, filming for the final installment has wrapped. Director J.J. Abrams shared the news on Friday that they wrapped photography on Episode IX. We’re not prepared for this much emotion today.
It feels impossible, but today wrapped photography on Episode IX. There is no adequate way to thank this truly magical crew and cast. I’m forever indebted to you all. pic.twitter.com/138AprtFuZ
— JJ Abrams (@jjabrams) February 15, 2019
Do you see Oscar Isaac’s face? I can’t take it. Whether this photo is from the final day of filming or from another moment in the as yet untitled movie, we’re not sure. Isaac, Daisy Ridley, and John Boyega certainly look intense, whatever’s happening. Poe, Rey, and Finn are the trio at the heart of the sequel trilogy, so their fates are sure to be intertwined in Episode IX. They haven’t shared a ton of screen time together, but my fingers are crossed that will change as the Resistance rallies to battle the First Order and Kylo Ren. Will they all be okay? I need to know.
Beyond this being notification about filming winding down, this is our first set photo from the movie. They appear to be on Jakku, the planet they all fled in The Force Awakens. I’d be more than fine with the Skywalker saga ending on a desert planet, even if it’s not Tatooine. And it’s a little thing, but it makes me happy to see Rey still has her staff (you can see her holding it in her other arm).
And now, we watch for the title.
Star Wars: Episode IX will be in theaters on December 22, 2019, a.k.a. not soon enough.
Featured Image: Bad Robot/Lucasfilm