J.J. Abrams Joins Twitter To Mark ‘Bittersweet’ Beginning Of Production On ‘Star Wars IX’ Without Carrie Fisher

By Corey Atad. Published: 1 Aug 2018 3:27 PM Last updated: 1 Aug 2018 3:37 PM

Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

J.J. Abrams has officially joined Twitter.

With his first tweet, the “Star Wars IX” director announced the start of production on the film, but noted the “bittersweet” feeling of going ahead without Carrie Fisher.

Abrams also thanks the cast and crew, “The Last Jedi” director Rian Johnson and “Star Wars” creator George Lucas for paving the way for the upcoming sequel.

Bittersweet starting this next chapter without Carrie, but thanks to an extraordinary cast and crew, we are ready to go. Grateful for @rianjohnson and special thanks to George Lucas for creating this incredible world and beginning a story of which we are lucky to be a part. #IX pic.twitter.com/FOfnGwVut5

— JJ Abrams (@jjabrams) August 1, 2018

Last week it was announced that Carrie Fisher will appear in the final film of the Skywalker saga using unseen footage from Abrams’ previous entry in the franchise, “The Force Awakens”.

Also appearing in the film will be Mark Hamill and Billy Dee Williams, as well as newer stars of the “Star Wars” universe Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo and Fisher’s daughter, Bille Lourd.

“Star Wars IX” is set to open December 20, 2019.