A description of Star Wars: Episode IX footage screened at a Disney shareholders meeting confirms Darth Vader’s helmet returns in the film - among other revelations. Last month, director J.J. Abrams wrapped principal photography on the Skywalker saga’s final installment, and still official details about the project remain hard to come by. In a deviation from their traditional practices, the studio has yet to unveil the movie’s actual title, leading some to believe that’s being saved as a surprise announcement for Star Wars Celebration.

Fortunately for fans, the first wave of Episode IX marketing should commence about a month from now. The aforementioned Celebration takes place in April, and it’s widely expected the first Star Wars 9 trailer will debut then. As the general public impatiently awaits their initial look at the film, some lucky Disney shareholders were treated to snippets of footage today, providing fans with some tantalizing bits to marinate on in the meantime.

According to ComicBook, the sizzle reel included a look at Lando Calrissian and a scene where Kylo Ren was once again communing with Darth Vader’s helmet. Scott Ladewig posted additional details on Twitter, revealing the footage also featured a shot of Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron in the Millennium Falcon cockpit, Rey with Chewie’s trademark bowcaster, and more.

The juiciest morsel here is obviously Kylo with Vader’s helmet, which immediately brings to mind the famous sequence from The Force Awakens. One of Kylo’s defining traits as a character is his obsession with becoming as powerful as Darth Vader and finishing what the Dark Lord started all those decades ago. In Episode VII, the former Ben Solo had a private moment with the helmet where he essentially prayed for guidance to stay on the dark path. At the Last Jedi’s end, Kylo no longer looked like he was being tempted by the light, so it’ll be interesting to see what kind of interaction he has with the helmet in Episode IX. As Supreme Leader, Kylo is in a new situation and may find himself more troubled than usual, leading to him looking to his beloved grandfather for aid.

As for the sequel trilogy heroes, it’s long been hinted Rey, Finn, and Poe would finally be working together in Episode IX, but this footage description essentially confirms that plot point. If the dynamic trio are in the Falcon (hopefully with Chewbacca along for the ride), then they’re more than likely embarking on a mission as a team. Since The Force Awakens, fans have taken to this group of characters and enjoyed the chemistry Finn had individually with Rey and Poe. It’s nice that at the series’ end, fans will be able to see the three play off each other, much like Luke, Han, and Leia back in the day. All in all, Episode IX is shaping up to be an intriguing and exciting installment, and it’ll be fun to see how it all plays out.

More: Darth Vader’s Original Backstory (Before He Was Retconned To Be Luke’s Father)

Source: ComicBook, Scott Ladewig

  • Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker Release Date: 2019-12-20