The Last Jedi is still just over half a year away from hitting theaters, but it looks like Disney is all set to begin filming Episode 9 not long after Episode 8 is released. A new cover story on The Last Jedi by Vanity Fair reveals that Colin Trevorrow’s trilogy finale will begin production in January 2018. This gives the Episode 9 crew just under a year and a half from the start of production to its scheduled theatrical release in May 2019.
Episode 9 was set to have Carrie Fisher's General Leia take on the lead mentor role, similar to Han Solo in Episode 7 and (presumably) Luke Skywalker in Episode 8. But her untimely and tragic passing forced Disney to completely reevaluate their plans. Ultimately, they came to the conclusion that Carrie Fisher will not appear in Episode 9.
Star Wars: Episode 8: The Last Jedi will release in theaters on December 15th, 2017 while Episode 9 comes out on May 24th, 2019.
Source: [Vanity Fair via Screen Rant]
