Star Wars 9: ‘References’ to prequel and original trilogy in Rise of Skywalker CONFIRMED

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is out in December, concluding not only the sequel trilogy but the whole nine-movie arc.

Fans had been wondering if that meant JJ Abrams has included overt tributes to the prequel and original trilogies, and it seems the answer may well be yes.

Speaking on Good Morning America yesterday, Daisy Ridley – who plays Rey – spoke about how Abrams and co-writer Chris Terrio have wrapped the whole story up.

She implied that, while there are nods to the past movies, The Rise of Skywalker is also a fulfilling journey in its own right.

“What I would say is I think its a brilliant end to the story – and JJ and Chris, who wrote it as well, have done an incredible job of wrapping it up,” she told the hosts.

“Because there are so many references, obviously, to the nine films.

“But also it exists as its own thing – so I think people are going to be very satisfied.”

She had previously spoken of how “moving” some of the key scenes are.

“There are a few scenes that we did where everyone was really moved, and a lot of the time the crew are doing their jobs so it’s not an emotional thing, it’s more technical – but a lot of it is really, really moving,” she said.

“I found it really emotional.”

Of completing filming, she said: “John [Boyega] wrapped, so I was already hysterically crying. Then I wrapped and I did a speech and I cannot remember what I said.

“I kept going, [blubbing] ‘I’m really sorry, I’m really sorry’ – the whole crew was there, it was embarrassing.”

Ridley – who was promoting her new movie Ophelia – has not seen a full cut of Episode 9 yet, but teased excitement at what she has been shown.

“JJ has shown me a couple of bits, it was very exciting,” she recalled.

“It feels – I don’t know if it’s because I’ve done more – but this is the most excited I’ve felt.”

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is out on December 19.