The Force Awakens director JJ Abrams has confirmed there is a script for the next Star Wars film.
The filmmaker will return to the franchise to helm Episode IX, the final instalment in the latest trilogy, confirming it will start shooting this summer.
Lucasfilm announced in September 2017 that Abrams would be directing the film, replacing Jurassic World’s Colin Trevorrow.
Abrams produced the second film in the series, 2017’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which was written and directed by Rian Johnson.
He told The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: “We have a script, which is a big deal for me. It starts shooting end of July.
“Having a script in advance is something I haven’t always been lucky enough to have. I’m writing this with Chris Terrio, who is a genius, and I’m having a great time.”
BREAKING NEWS: #JJAbrams announces a script for #EpisodeIX #LSSC https://t.co/SARIyfpkhS pic.twitter.com/CIF9oXUywu
— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) February 22, 2018
He also recalled the fear he felt about taking on The Force Awakens, saying: “I was terrified. Luckily, I was surrounded by incredible people. We had a lot of fun. Being back for Episode IX is as surreal as it gets and really exciting.”
Discussing the pressures and expectations of the Star Wars fans, he added: “As scary as it is to put yourself in (front of) that firing squad, the opportunity is always bigger than the fear.”