Star Wars: Episode IX postponed after Abrams joins as director

The release date of "Star Wars: Episode IX" has been pushed back to December 20, 2019, after JJ Abrams came on board as the director of the forthcoming film.
The movie, which was set to premiere in May 2019, will now release seven months later from its original date, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The development comes after Abrams stepped in to replace Colin Trevorrow as the helmer of the ninth chapter of the Star Wars film franchise.
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy confirmed the news that the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" director will return to head "Episode IX".
Abrams will also pen the script of the film, along with Chris Terrio.

Earlier, rumours were rife that Rian Johnson will direct the ninth installment.
Jonhson, however, dismissed the reports, saying, "It was never in the plan for me to direct 'Episode IX', so I don't know what's going to happen with it".