Star Wars 9 has a new, far, far away release date: December 20, 2019

Star Wars Episode 9 news is coming thick and fast. First, J.J. Abrams is taking over the reins after Colin Trevorrow left the production and now, to give the Star Wars: The Force Awakens director slightly more breathing room, Star Wars 9 has a brand-new release date: December 20, 2019.

Originally scheduled to drop May 24, 2019, that spot will now be taken-up by Aladdin. In an interesting move, Disney has decided to simply do a straight swap between the two big box-office names.

If waiting two years for the next Star Wars instalment hurts more than a lightsaber to the gut then you’ll be soothed by the news that, as of writing, the Han Solo movie is still slated to hit theatres May 25, 2018. Then it’s a heady 18-month-plus wait for the next Star Wars movie which – honestly – I’m ok with. There can always be too much of a good thing. Yes, even Star Wars.

The change in schedule also creates a neat through-line for the trilogy by giving each a December release date after The Force Awakens was released on December 17, 2015 and Star Wars: The Last Jedi still (fingers crossed!) coming on 15 December, 2017. Happy Holidays, indeed.

If you’re eager for some Star Wars news a little bit closer on the horizon then you’ll be pleased to know Star Wars: The Last Jedi has its first confirmed cameo: Joseph Gordon-Levitt. There’s even a look at Benicio Del Toro’s Star Wars 8 character through a newly-revealed toy line. Go figure.

Image: Lucasfilm