Jurassic World’s Colin Trevorrow to direct Star Wars: Episode IX

Looks like the rumors were true. Today at D23, Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn announced that writer-director Colin Trevorrow will direct Star Wars: Episode IX, which will conclude the third trilogy in the core Star Wars saga.

Production on Episode IX, which is set for release in 2019, won't begin for a few years, but Trevorrow is already heading to Lucasfilm to begin work with artists and fellow Star Wars directors.

“This is not a job or an assignment. It is a seat at a campfire, surrounded by an extraordinary group of storytellers, filmmakers, artists and craftspeople," Trevorrow said. "We’ve been charged with telling new stories for a younger generation because they deserve what we all had – a mythology to call their own. We will do this by channeling something George Lucas instilled in all of us: boundless creativity, pure invention and hope.”

The saga continues as Jurassic World’s @ColinTrevorrow is set to direct #StarWars Episode IX. Learn more at http://t.co/Ok6l0uYbfc #D23EXPO

— Star Wars (@starwars) August 15, 2015

“Colin is someone I’ve been interested in working with ever since I saw Safety Not Guaranteed,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “The power of that film paired with the enormous success of Jurassic World speaks volumes about his abilities both as a storyteller and skilled filmmaker. We are thrilled to have such an incredible talent as Colin join our family and step into the Star Wars universe.”

While Star Wars: Episode IX marks the conclusion of the third trilogy, the beginning will start this December 18th with the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

[StarWars.com]