This post contains SPOILERS for The Last Jedi

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Director J.J. Abrams has pitched the story for to start in June 2018, so Abrams and his co-writer Chris Terrio need to forge ahead on their screenplay.

The pair was hired for the job back in September, so they've had a few months to iron out their treatment. Surely, there will be some revisions along the way, but apparently Abrams is confident in the direction they're headed and is ready to take the next step in making Star Wars 9 a reality.

Related: Abrams Says Star Wars 9 Too Good To Up

During a Q&A session with Disney shareholders taking place on Thursday, December 14 (hat tip Force Awakens, there shouldn't be any problems.

The Last Jedi was obviously a fan of Johnson's film, however, so it's safe to say she'll be undeterred.

There's also the matter of what to do with General Leia Organa, as actress Carrie Fisher ed away late last year. The character had been set up to have an expanded role in Episode IX, but those plans changed in the wake of the tragedy. No doubt, an integral part of Abrams' pitch will be finding a proper way to close the General's story that's respectful to both Leia and Fisher. Abrams arguably has a tougher task ahead of him than when he brought Star Wars back after a 10-year absence, but he's up for the challenge. The filmmaker has proven he knows what makes the franchise great, so Episode IX is in good hands.

MORE: So, What's Episode 9 Going To Be About?

Source: Laughing Place