The Star Wars: Episode IX title is still a mystery, but on Friday, fans got their first official look at the new movie courtesy of director J.J. Abrams. The image, which shows Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) in an emotional embrace is meant to mark the last day of filming for the latest Star Wars movie, but it might also confirm a pretty huge Episode 9 leak from earlier this week.
First, here’s Abrams’ tweet, which celebrates the end of principal photograph, the sequels trilogy, and the entire Skywalker saga.
“It feels impossible,” he wrote, “but today wrapped photography on Episode IX. There is no adequate way to thank this truly magical crew and cast. I’m forever indebted to you all.”
The included image shows the three main characters from the sequel series in costume. They’re clearly on the set of some sort of desert planet, but based on all the blurry figures behind them it seems this is just a candid moment, not an actual scene from Star Wars: Episode IX.
Even so, the image shows all three actors in what appears to be full costume, and that may reveal a lot about the movie, especially when compared to that recent leak claiming to reveal new characters and costumes for Star Wars: Episode 9.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Rey in this new photo and in the leak, where she appears to be wearing some sort of Jedi robes (note the leather armband):
Rey behind the scenes of 'Star Wars: Episode IX.'
And here’s the same for Poe’s new Resistance outfit (note the scarf):
Poe in 'Star Wars: Episode IX' (behind the scenes).
As for Finn, he wasn’t included in that leak, and since he’s sandwiched in the middle of this group hug we can’t tell much. However, based on this new photo, it seems highly possible that the rest of the leaked images are correct, which could reveal a lot about Star Wars: Episode IX, including a classic look for Lando Calrissian, a whole bunch of cool new aliens, and a cute little droid that will “annoy BB-8.”
As for the Star Wars: Episode IX title and trailer, those are still a mystery, though at this rate we may not have to wait too much longer for a first official look at the movie itself. The recent release of Frozen 2’s first trailer may put Disney on track to reveal Episode IX in just under a month, though the smart money is still on an April reveal at the annual Star Wars Celebration.
Either way, all the Star Wars news this week (both official and leaked) has certainly given fans plenty to think about.
Star Wars: Episode IX hits theaters on December 20, 2019.
