Star Wars Episode 9: Is Kathleen Kennedy STAYING after backlash and 'axe' rumour?

Last night a casting announcement for Star Wars 9 was published, and in addition to some exciting nuggets of info about the new film, it was confirmed that Kennedy IS on board.

This comes despite internet chatter that she could be about to step down, after the polarised reaction to The Last Jedi and the disappointing box office performance of Solo.

“Star Wars: Episode IX will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Michelle Rejwan, and executive produced by Callum Greene and Jason McGatlin,” the statement read.

Whether this means her presidency at LucasFilm will stay in tact remains to be seen, but this is certainly an encouraging sign that she’s not going anywhere.

Yesterday’s statement also revealed that Carrie Fisher’s Leia will be seen on screen in Episode 9.

Fisher passed away in late 2016, shortly after filming scenes for Episode 8.

While previously it was thought that she would not be seen at all in 9, neither with archive footage or with CGI, now it seems unused clips of her in Episode 7: The Force Awakens will be called upon.

“We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” director JJ Abrams said.

“Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us.

“We were never going to recast, or use a CG character.”

He added: “With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honour Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.”

Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd are all back on board for the next movie, with Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, and Keri Russell joining as new characters.

Mark Hamill and Billy Dee Williams’ long-rumoured involvement has also been made official.

Star Wars Episode 9 is out in December 2019.