Walt Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm have released the first photo from the set of Star Wars: Episode IX which just kicked off production today at Pinewood Studios in the U.K.
The film’s director J.J. Abrams released the photo in a tweet, adding that:
“Bittersweet starting this next chapter without Carrie, but thanks to an extraordinary cast and crew, we are ready to go. Grateful for @rianjohnson and special thanks to George Lucas for creating this incredible world and beginning a story of which we are lucky to be a part. #IX”
Returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast are Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant and Keri Russell. Veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams also star as will Carrie Fisher using previously unreleased footage.
Star Wars: Episode IX is scheduled for release on December 20th 2019
Bittersweet starting this next chapter without Carrie, but thanks to an extraordinary cast and crew, we are ready to go. Grateful for @rianjohnson and special thanks to George Lucas for creating this incredible world and beginning a story of which we are lucky to be a part. #IX pic.twitter.com/FOfnGwVut5
— JJ Abrams (@jjabrams) August 1, 2018
