Director JJ Abrams has returned to the helm for Star Wars: Episode XI, having previously directed The Force Awakens. Abrams was also responsible for helping to launch the reboot of the Star Wars franchise, with the first film The Force Awakens having received critical and commercial acclaim.

The man who was originally scheduled to direct the film, Colin Trevorrow, announced his departure last week, citing differences with Disney's creative vision.

The announcement of Abrams' return as writer-director was made by Disney Lucasfilm on Tuesday afternoon.

J.J. Abrams to write and direct Star Wars Episode IX. https://t.co/aVF8UWaK0e pic.twitter.com/YrjgZZNxUx

— Star Wars (@starwars) September 12, 2017

Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens in cinemas on December 15, 2017, with Episode IX now due on December 20, 2019.