Star Wars story to continue with The Last Jedi

The next instalment of the Skywalker saga appears to cast an ominous tone for the galaxy from the get-go, with filmmakers revealing the title as Star Wars: The LastJedi.

The upcoming tale in the epic space franchise is written and directed by Rian Johnson, with J.J. Abrams among the executive producers.

Johnson has saidThe Last Jedi will pick up immediately from the conclusion of Abrams'sThe Force Awakens, the seventh film in the main Star Wars story, a generally well-received reboot of the franchise and a box office record-setter.

The Star Wars galaxy has also expanded through standalone films such as the recent prequelRogue One: A Star Wars Storyand an upcoming origin story about smuggler-turned-hero Han Solo.

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Cast members for the upcoming film include Mark Hamill, who starred in the original Star Warssaga, as well asDaisyRidley, JohnBoyega, OscarIsaac,Adam Driver, DomhnallGleeson and LupitaNyong'o all of whom debuted in Force Awakens.

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Carrie Fisher had also completed filming scenes for The Last Jedi prior to her death in December. According to industry media, her character, Leia Organa who began the series as a princess and resistance fighter but evolved into a rebellion-leading general was expected to play a larger rolein the upcoming film.

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi is slated to hit theatres Dec. 15.