The closing chapter of the Star Wars sequel trilogy has started shooting, with director JJ Abrams (The Force Awakens) posting a set photo with a heartfelt ode to Carrie Fisher to Twitter.

Bittersweet starting this next chapter without Carrie, but thanks to an extraordinary cast and crew, we are ready to go. Grateful for @rianjohnson and special thanks to George Lucas for creating this incredible world and beginning a story of which we are lucky to be a part. #IX pic.twitter.com/FOfnGwVut5

— JJ Abrams (@jjabrams) August 1, 2018

Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the franchise, died in December 2016. However, she will appear in the film using unreleased footage from The Force Awakens.

Recently, Disney announced some cast additions to the film including Keri Russell (The Americans), Naomi Ackie (Lady Macbeth) and Logan villain Richard E Grant. Meanwhile Billy Dee Williams, who played the rogue Lando Calrissian in the original trilogy, will be returning.

The as of yet untitled Episode IX follows after the critically acclaimed if divisive The Last Jedi and the box office disappointment spin-off Solo: A Star Wars Story. It will be released December 20, 2019.