A few hours after Lucasfilm announced that J.J. Abrams will be directing Star Wars Episode IX, taking the reigns from Colin Trevorrow, a new release release date has also been announced!

A few years back, during the announcement of a new trilogy, Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Studios had given Star Wars Episode IX a release date of May 24 2019. Things have developed ever since the announcement and after the critical change in directors following the firing of Jurassic World’s Colin Trevorrow, it looks like Disney will stick to the now-traditional month of December for the ninth installment in the Star Wars franchise.

Lucasfilm has pegged the release date of Star Wars Episode IX to December 20, 2019.

The film will have to contend with other big Hollywood blockbusters including Warner Bros.’ Wonder Woman 2 and Columbia Pictures’ Masters of the Universe (He-Man) reboot film.

Oh and in case you’re wondering, the May 24, 2019 release date is rumored to be the new release date for the live-action Aladdin movie that Disney is currently filming featuring Will Smith as the Genie and Power Rangers star Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine.