ANAHEIM, Calif. (KGTV/AP) — Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy says that "Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker" is going to be an incredibly good time.
Nearly 7,000 people got a look Saturday at a new poster and some new footage from the film at the Walt Disney Co.'s biannual D23 fan convention in Anaheim.
The film which opens in theaters nationwide Dec. 20 closes out the over 40-year-old Skywalker saga. Kennedy was joined on the convention stage by writer-director J.J. Abrams and stars including Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Billy Dee Williams and Anthony Daniels.
Check out the new poster for Star Wars: #TheRiseOfSkywalker that debuted at #D23Expo. See the film in theaters December 20. pic.twitter.com/MUH87fudPP
— Disney (@Disney) August 24, 2019
R2-D2 evoked the most applause from the excited audience.
Abrams said that the late Carrie Fisher is also part of "Episode IX" thanks to unused footage from "Episode VII."
Fans not at D23 can expect a similar behind-the-scenes sizzle reel to be released online Monday, according to Entertainment Weekly.
According to EW, the footage showed clips of Rey (Ridely) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) dueling on a stormy sea similar to the poster, a massive fleet of Star Destroyers, Darth Vader's destroyed helmet, and Finn (Boyega) and new character Jannah (Naomi Ackie) in a cockpit.
Glimpses of Fisher as Leia were also seen and the crowd was left in awe by images of Rey in a black, hooded robe as she unfolded a red double-sided lightsaber.
"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" will debut in theaters Dec. 20, 2019.
