Star Wars 9 The Rise of Skywalker suffers disappointing blow in BOX OFFICE predictions

But with episode IX being the late Carrie Fisher and great Princess Leia actress’s final appearance on screen, fans are very eager to watch how the franchise finishes off the iconic character’s arc, hopefully giving her a poignant send-off in the process.

But fans must remember to take the pre-sales figures with a pinch of salt, as the people coming out to the cinema in their droves won’t all be diehard fans of the franchise.

Star Wars trilogies often win big with the first instalment, with the second film taking significantly less money.

But the third one brings it back up again with a triumphant finish, so will this be the case for The Rise of Skywalker?