‘Star Wars 9’ will have Yoda back, filming this year

After a surprise appearance in Star Wars The Last Jedi, it shouldn’t be that big of a shocker to hear that Jedi Master Yoda will again show up in Star Wars Episode IX.

Citing an unnamed source, the New York Daily News newspaper reports that ‘The success of the scenes featuring Yoda in The Last Jedi were huge. ‘Yoda will again appear as a ghost as he acknowledges Rey’s success and growth as a Jedi. ‘The scenes are due to be put together later this year.”

Daisy Ridley’s Rey has yet to interact with a Jedi ghost, so this could also play as a humorous transition for the hero.

In behind-the-scenes clips, Mark Hamill who plays Luke Skywalker can be seen getting emotional when Yoda is brought back to life. Turning to filmmaker Rian Johnson, he says: “Oh my God. It’s really getting to me. I am still jealous he hasn’t aged a day.”

The paper confirms previous reports that Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia character will not be digitally revived for future films. Fisher died in Dec. 2015, but appeared in Last Jedi a year later, thanks to scenes that had already been filmed.

Star Wars 9 will be directed by J.J. Abrams with a planned release of December 20, 2019.