The cameras are ready to roll on “Star Wars: Episode IX,” as J.J. Abrams announced the start of production on the final chapter of the Skywalker Saga in his first ever tweet.
With a picture of one of the cameras on the set, Abrams tweeted out a message thanking “The Last Jedi” director Rian Johnson for his contributions to the trilogy while noting how bittersweet it is to work on another “Star Wars” film without the late Carrie Fisher on set.
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
Abrams also included a tribute to “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, for the “incredible world and beginning a story of which we are lucky to be a part.”
Earlier this week, Mark Hamill, who will play Luke Skywalker one last time in the upcoming film, also commented on Fisher’s absence.
“It’s bittersweet facing my final chapter without her,” the actor wrote. “She is simply irreplaceable. I’m finding solace in the fact that she won’t BE replaced & would love the worldwide outpouring of affection from those who loved her when they heard the news.”
Fisher died on Dec. 27, 2016 at age 60.
“Episode IX” is set for release in December 2019.