Seemingly keen not to repeat the troubled productions of Rogue One and the upcoming Han Solo Star Wars movie, Lucasfilm moved last week to part ways with Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow before they got to the point where cameras were rolling. While many were surprised by the news, it’s been suggested that Trevorrow’s tendency to be inflexible about what he wanted to do, frustrated Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy, and so she fired him.

However, it would appear that they already had a replacement in mind, and it’s the man who so successfully relaunched the Star Wars franchise with The Force Awakens – JJ Abrams. He is not set to write and direct Episode IX, allowing him to complete the trilogy that’s suggested will bring the Skywalker saga to a close. It is fitting, as it’s believed the only reason he didn’t helm Episode VIII was because Disney wasn’t willing to delay the release to give him more time to put things together.

Kathleen Kennedy comments, “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.”

It does mean though that the May 2019 release date currently set for Episode IX is now looking a little ambitious, The smart bet is that it will be delayed until at least December 2019 and may even arrive a little later. However, with Abrams back behind the wheel many fans will be happy to wait a little longer is it ensures we get something as entertaining as The Force Awakens.