Update: Lucasfilm has since added Keri Russell to the official Star Wars IX cast list.

The official The Last Jedi.

A lot has changed in the Star Wars landscape since Abrams was last at the helm of one of these movies. the franchise's first full-blown failure. There was always going to be a lot of pressure on Episode IX, but it's arguably in a more challenging spot due to the current state of affairs. Now, Abrams and his team have started their long journey.

Lucasfilm announced today that Star Wars 9 will begin production in August. They took the opportunity to unveil the main cast, after there were the late Carrie Fisher will posthumously appear as Leia via unused footage from Force Awakens.

Star Wars Last Jedi cast

Abrams and Lucasfilm have carved out reputations for being quite secretive in regards to future projects, so it's refreshing to see them be so upfront about Luke and Leia in Episode IX. In the case of Hamill, many presumed Luke would show up as a Force ghost to share some additional wisdom with Rey (or, in an amusing twist, haunt Kylo Ren). The filmmakers very easily could have kept Hamill's role a secret, similar to Yoda in The Last Jedi. However, that would have unnecessarily dragged out a mystery; there will surely be plenty of other surprises in Star Wars 9. And the transparency about Leia should only benefit the production, especially since everyone was curious to see how Abrams would handle that sensitive situation.

Those who have been following the Episode IX beat will notice Keri Russell is not among the actors listed. At one point, she was reported to reunite with Abrams in what was described as an action-heavy role. It's difficult to say for now, but perhaps Ackie (who, up to this point, was known for television roles) landed that part instead. As for Grant, it would be safe to assume he'll play a First Order officer, boosting their ranks. The Resistance seems set (especially with Leia returning), but the villains need some extra hands after losing both Supreme Leader Snoke and Captain Phasma in The Last Jedi. It'll be interesting to see how it all comes together, and the rumor mill will surely be revving up in the near future.

MORE: Star Wars 9 Is The Last Movie In the Skywalker Saga

Source: Lucasfilm