With filming finished on Star Wars: Episode IX, all attention now is pointed to what we know about the new film. Fans are rabidly devouring every crumb and morsel they can find when it comes to information on the plot and title of the next Star Wars movie. Whether it's press releases or the twitter accounts from the cast and crew, every word, photo and public appearance is subject to scrutiny.
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With so much speculation and so little information shared, various fan theories and rumors have come to light. Some are far-fetched enough to take place in a galaxy far, far away. Others, however, have us on the edge of our seats, wondering if they're true. To tide everyone over until information is released, here are 10 Episode 9 rumors we hope are true.
One Year Time Jump
In an interview with Empire, John Boyega hinted at a time jump in the series. While it was never confirmed exactly how long this time jump might be, it was reported by many (including us) that this time jump would last a year.
John Boyega has walked back that statement somewhat, saying he "didn't remember the interview" when asked about it on Twitter. However, he never confirmed or denied the one year aspect when questioned.
Potential Titles
One of the biggest pieces of information missing from Episode IX is its title. The Last Jedi has its title released a little less than a year before the film came out; we're less than 10 months from the release of Episode IX and there's been no word so far. Fans online have proposed a variety of titles so far. Some are great, and some belong in the Sarlacc pit.
With no indication so far as to what the title might be, it could be anything from Star Wars: A New Order to Star Wars: Chewie's Revenge.
The Final Scene Will Be In Jakku
J.J. Abrams recently tweeted out this photo confirming that shooting had wrapped on Episode IX. Fans were quick to point out that it looks like the photo was taken place on Jakku, Rey's home planet.
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While films are shot out of sequence, many believe that this means the final scene of the film will take place back on Jakku. Whether this location serves as an emotional bookend or is part of a larger scene remains to be seen.
Luke Skywalker Will Return As A Jedi Ghost
The end of The Last Jedi appeared to also be the end of Luke Skywalker. After astral-projecting himself to stall Kylo Ren and save the Rebellion, Luke appeared to fade away into the force. While this would seem to be the end of Luke, Mark Hamill has been confirmed to be in Episode IX. In what capacity we'll see Luke Skywalker return, we don't know. Given that the Jedi have a history of fading away and returning as blue translucent spirits to guide their apprentices, it's not out of the question that Luke will do the same for Rey.
Hamill has teased multiple times on Twitter that he knows "everything" about the next movie and that he plays a large part. Only time will tell how large of a role Luke Skywalker will play in this film.
Keri Russell's Character
In July of 2019, it was confirmed that Keri Russell would be joining Episode IX as a brand new character to the franchise. There was immediate speculation as to who this character might be. Many pointed to a casting notice that called for an actress who could play heavy fight scenes. To some, this was evidence that she might play a Knight of Ren or some other unknown villain. Many offered the idea that she might be Rey's mother.
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Others think she might be Star Wars Legends character, Mara Jade, as it's rumored that her code name in case of casting leaks was "Mara." Given the radio silence on any potential information, this one may not be revealed until much closer to the release date.
Return Of Former Characters
Casting notices for the film so far have rolled out slowly and periodically. While we've had a few new additions with Keri Russel and Richard Grant, there are a few names conspicuously missing from the list. Benicio Del Toro's character DJ was set up as a mysterious new figure to add to the series, serving a moral grey area for the characters to work with. When he betrayed the group to Captain Phasma (Game of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie), both of those characters threads were left on a (somewhat literal) cliffhanger.
Given that both actors have expressed a desire to come back for Episode IX and that neither of them seemed to have major filming conflicts, it's possible that the return of these characters will be a secret until the movie comes out.
Satisfying End For Carrie Fisher
When Carrie Fisher suddenly passed away in December of 2016, fans lamented her death. A princess, general, and hope of the Rebellion were gone forever. To many, her story wasn't done yet. Lucasfilm was quick to confirm that they would not CGI Carrie into the next film. It has since been confirmed that Carrie will be appearing in the movie via never-before-seen footage, and that her story will have a satisfying conclusion for fans.
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The use of her footage in the film has received the blessings of her brother Todd Fisher and her daughter Billie Lourd (who plays Lieutenant Connix in the films). Others, like Oscar Isaac and Mark Hamill, have ensured that her departure is handled well. While it will be bittersweet to see her on screen for the last time, it is sure to be a worthwhile ending to General Leia Organa and Carrie Fisher's legacy.
Snoke Had Another Apprentice
In the Lucasfilm magazine The Souvenir Guide to the Movie Star Wars: The Last Jedi, there's a very important passage on Supreme Leader Snoke. In this passage, it is revealed that while Kylo Ren is Snoke's apprentice, there has been "at least one other apprentice". While it should be noted that this information has not been fully confirmed by Lucasfilm (and that Star Wars has a noted history of throwing out written canon), it appeared on the Star Wars Inside app, which is considered the official magazine for all things Star Wars.
Could this mean we'll find out more about Snoke, or that his unnamed apprentice will make an appearance? Could the apprentice be Star Wars newcomers Richard E. Grant or Keri Russell? We'll just have to wait and see.
Richard E. Grant Is Admiral Thrawn
Richard E. Grant's casting caused a minor disturbance in the force for many. Why? Because many thought that Grant might be playing fan-favorite villain Admiral Thrawn, a Star Wars Legacy character made canon with his inclusion into Rebels and the Timothy Zahn novels.
Grant himself has gone on record as saying that he is not playing the character, but one can't take that at face value. Recall how often and frequently Benedict Cumberbatch lied in 2012 about being Khan in Star Trek: Into Darkness. It is entirely possible that Grant is playing the classic villain and feels the need to keep secrecy about the character.
End Of The Skywalker Saga
This one is less rumor and more confirmation, as Lucasfilm has billed Episode IX as "the end of the Skywalker saga". Supposedly, any films going forward in the Star Wars universe will touch on different stories and characters. While Luke and Anakin have had their day in the twin suns, this might be for the best.
We've had 40 years of the Skywalker Saga, and if there's one thing the new films have shown it's that the galaxy goes a lot farther than we've seen.