The title of the next chapter in the Star Wars saga has finally been revealed.

The news was announced to fans in a tweet from the official Star Wars account, which read: “It’s official. STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI is the next chapter of the Skywalker saga. This December.#TheLastJedi”

On the official Star Wars website a further statement read: “We have the greatest fans in this or any other galaxy. In appreciation of the fans, we wanted them to be the first to know the title of the next chapter in the Skywalker saga: STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI.

“THE LAST JEDI is written and directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski. STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI is scheduled for release December 15, 2017." 

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The Last Jedi follows The Force Awakens, which was released in December 2015, in the main Star Wars narrative and spin-offs Rogue One and the forthcoming Han Solo standalone film as part of the Star Wars Anthology series.

The film will star Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Mark Hamill and the late Carrie Fisher, who had finished shooting her scenes before her untimely death in December.

Earlier this month Disney and Lucasfilm were forced to deny reports that they were negotiating with the estate of Carrie Fisher to digital recreate the actress’ image in future Star Wars movies.

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In a statement Lucasfilm said: “We don’t normally respond to fan or press speculation, but there is a rumour circulating that we would like to address. We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher’s performance as Princess or General Leia Organa.

“Carrie Fisher was, is, and always will be a part of the Lucasfilm family. She was our princess, our general, and more importantly, our friend. We are still hurting from her loss,” the statement continued. “We cherish her memory and legacy as Princess Leia, and will always strive to honour everything she gave to Star Wars.”