Keri Russell joins J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode IX
Golden Globe winner Keri Russell (The Americans, Felicity, Free State of Jones) will be teaming up once again with award-winning writer-director-producer J.J. Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Trek: Into Darkness, Westworld) on the upcoming Star Wars: Episode IX, Variety has confirmed. The pair also previously collaborated on Mission: Impossible III, where Russell starred alongside Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Ving Rhames.
Little is known about Russell’s role in the film, but the outlet notes that it will call for action-heavy fight scenes. The actress recently finished production on the final season of FX’s The Americans, and her other recent credits also including Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Dark Skies.
Star Wars: Episode IX will conclude the third trilogy of Star Wars movies that began with Star Wars: The Force Awakens followed up by Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Following Colin Trevorrow’s exit over creative differences, Abrams — who directed The Force Awakens — was asked to return to direct Episode IX.
J.J. Abrams also co-wrote the script with Chris Terrio (Justice League, Argo). Star Wars: Episode IX will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Abrams, Bad Robot, and Lucasfilm. Previously set for a May 24, 2019 release date, the film will now arrive on December 20, 2019.
Production on Episode IX will begin at the end of July with more cast announcements likely to be revealed before filming starts. So far, the cast includes returning favorites Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
