J.J. Abrams Will Not Direct Star Wars: Episode IX

Director J.J. Abrams is taking a pretty short trip to the galaxy far, far, away.


After he finishes his directorial duties on Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Abrams will not helm another Star Wars movie. While it’s common knowledge that Rian Johnson will direct Awakens’ direct follow-up, Star Wars: Episode VIII, it's still unclear as to who will direct the final installment of Star Wars’ third trilogy. One of the more popular rumors claimed that Abrams would return to finish the trilogy he stared, but that’s officially no longer the case.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Abrams made it clear that he would not direct Star Wars: Episode IX.
“No, I’m not going to direct Episode IX, as much as I am deeply envious of anyone who gets to work with this group of people on the future movies.”

So now, the next question is—who will direct Episode IX? Some think it could be Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow, while others have speculated that Iron Man’s Jon Favreau would take over.

But seeing as how Episode IX won’t hit until sometime in 2019 (a concrete release date is presently unannounced), it may feel like a lightyear or two until a director is officially announced.
Now that Abrams is officially out, who do you want to direct Star Wars: Episode IX? Let us know in the comments!