The hype for new 'Star Wars' episodic instalment 'The Last Jedi' just continues to grow, and will do so even more now that director Rian Johnson has confirmed it will be the longest entry into the 'Star Wars' franchise to-date.

John Boyega's character Finn will be waking up in 'The Last Jedi'John Boyega's character Finn will be waking up in 'The Last Jedi'

Including credits, the film clocks in at 150 minutes (two and a half hours), meaning it'll be a full 26 minutes longer than 2015 release 'The Force Awakens', even pipping 'The Revenge of the Sith' and its 140-minute runtime to the pipeline.

Whilst not much is known about the meat of the narrative that will run throughout 'The Last Jedi', we do know that it includes the self-exiled Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) calling for the age of the Jedi to come to an end, as well as Daisy Ridley's character Rey continuing to go through an extremely personal journey. Finn (John Boyega) will also be making a return, waking up from his coma after suffering devastating injuries in 'The Force Awakens'.

Adam Driver makes his return as Kylo RenAdam Driver makes his return as Kylo Ren

Also starring the late Carrie Fisher as General Leia, alongside the likes of Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels and Gwendoline Christie in returning roles, fans will be introduced to new faces played by cast members such as Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern and Benicio del Toro.

Serving as the penultimate adventure in the episodic series ahead of 2019's big finale (or at least, that's what we're led to believe at the moment!), the 150-minute runtime is something that will likely be used incredibly well to set the stage for some of the most ambitious and memorable scenes to ever hit the big screen. Exactly how that's done remains to be seen, but we think millions will be filling movie theatres next month to find out.

More: 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' Won't Answer "All The Questions"

'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' is set for release in UK cinemas on December 15, 2017, with 'Episode IX' scheduled to drop two years later in December 2019.