J.J. Abrams Already Has A Script For Star Wars: Episode IX

Just about five months after he took over Star Wars: Episode IX, J.J. Abrams has a script ready.

During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Abrams confirmed that filming begins at the end of July and he said he's prepared. "We have a script, which is a big deal for me," Abrams said. "Having a script in advance is something I haven't always been lucky enough to have."

Abrams, who co-wrote and directed 2015's The Force Awakens, was tapped to replace Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World) as the writer and director of Episode IX back in September. The change was reportedly made due to creative differences, but there are rumors that Lucasfilm found Trevorrow to be "difficult" and "egotistical."

Abrams is writing the script with Chris Terrio (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice). "[Terrio] is a genius and I'm having a great time," he said. "Being back for Episode IX is as surreal as it gets and really exciting."

Of course, Abrams is now saddled with the task of following up Rian Johnson's The Last Jedi, a divisive installment that disappointed some fans despite being the highest-grossing movie of 2017. When Colbert teased that Star Wars fans are notoriously difficult to please, Abrams said he couldn't turn down the offer to return to the franchise. "As scary as it is to put yourself in that firing squad, the opportunity is always bigger than the fear," he said.

Details about the plot will likely be under lock and key for a while, but we know it'll bring a conclusion to the Skywalker saga that began in 1977's Star Wars. Abrams will also be responsible for finding a way to explain the absence of Leia Organa after the death of Carrie Fisher just a few months after production wrapped on The Last Jedi. 

Star Wars: Episode IX is expected to hit theaters Dec. 20, 2019.