J.J. Abrams to direct Star Wars: Episode IX

J.J. Abrams will write and direct Star Wars: Episode IX, the third film in the franchise's new trilogy, StarWars.com announced Tuesday.

Abrams also directed the first film in the trilogy, The Force Awakens, in 2015; the second film, The Last Jedi, is directed by Rian Johnson and will be released later this year.

Abrams replaces director Colin Trevorrow at the helm of the yet-untitled Episode IX after Disney parted with him last week due to a difference in "visions" for the finale. "With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy in a statement.

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