At long last, Disney and Lucasfilm have revealed the Star Wars 9 title. The title of the 9th and final film in the Skywalker Saga is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

This is the final chapter in this new Star Wars trilogy that began with Star Wars: The Force Awakens. In August 2015, before The Force Awakens had even been released, Lucasfilm announced that Jurassic World helmer Colin Trevorrow would co-write and direct Star Wars 9. Trevorrow worked on the screenplay with his frequent co-writer Derek Connolly for a couple of years, but in September 2017 it was announced that Trevorrow was leaving the film over creative differences.

That’s when Lucasfilm lured J.J. Abrams back to not only direct, but co-write a brand new screenplay with Oscar-winning Argo writer (and Batman v Superman co-writer) Chris Terrio. So whatever Trevorrow and Connolly had planned, it's likely not The Rise of Skywalker.

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Image via Lucasfilm

This title can be taken a number of ways. It could mean that Abrams is pulling a full retcon of Rian Johnson's divisive The Last Jediwhich revealed that Rey is not a Skywalker and hails from no important lineage whatsoever. That drove home the notion that anyone can be a hero, not just those who are predestined for greatness. But some fans wanted Rey to fulfill the Skywalker legacy, so it's possible Episode IX reveals that Kylo Ren was lying about Rey's parentage.

Or it's possible the title refers to the redemption of Kylo Ren, or the notion of Rey and Co. saving his soul to maintain the goodness of the Skywalker line. We don't necessarily know how General Leia Organa (Carrie Fischer) will be handled in the film other than her performance was made possible by using cut footage from The Force Awakens, so there is at least one other Skywalker milling about in addition to Ben Solo.

What do you think folks? Is the title to be taken at face value, is it a misdirect, or will we discover it's more thematic in nature than specific? Sound off in the comments below, and click here to watch the just-released teaser trailer.

Star Wars 9 is anchored by Original Trilogy actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, with Carrie Fisher appearing posthumously using footage that ended up on the cutting room floor from The Force Awakens. Also returning are Daisy RidleyAdam DriverJohn BoyegaOscar IsaacLupita Nyong’oDomhnall GleesonKelly Marie TranJoonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd.

New cast additions this time around include Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell, Matt Smith, and Dominic Monaghan. And yes, John Williams returns once more to compose the score. Star Wars 9 opens in theaters on December 20th.

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Image via Lucasfilm

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