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Star Wars: Episode IX is one of the most highly anticipated films of the year. Not only is the third and final installment in Lucasfilm’s new Star Wars sequel trilogy, but Episode IX is also set as the conclusion of the nine movie Skywalker saga that’s spanned across 40 years of cinema.
While fans have so many questions about the upcoming film, others remain haunted by their issues with Episode IX’s predecessor, Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Some wonder, will Episode IX be able to fix the backlash that came with The Last Jedi?
Speaking in an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Oscar Wilde Awards, The Force Awakens and Episode IX director J.J. Abrams was asked directly if the upcoming Star Wars entry was being affected by fans’ reaction to TLJ.
“I think every movie is its own movie and this is a trilogy. We brought to that movie all the passion and hard work that we would have no matter what. I think the story speaks for itself. I really, truly can’t wait for you to see it,” the filmmaker explained.
While Abrams’ answer might seem innocent enough, it also seems like the director is trying his best to distance Episode IX from The Last Jedi. Sure, TLJ might have been a commercial and critical success that introduced new concepts into the franchise, but traditional Star Wars fans didn’t quite enjoy the way the film subverted expectations.
Hopefully, Episode IX manages to find a middle ground between the requests of traditional fans and those looking for something new in the franchise.
Star Wars: Episode IX premieres December 20.
