<P> Star Wars: The Last Jedi (also known as Star Wars: Episode VIII--The Last Jedi) is a 2017 American epic space opera film written and directed by Rian Johnson . It is the second film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, following Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). The film is produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures . It stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, and Gwendoline Christie in returning roles, with Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern, and Benicio del Toro joining the cast . It also marks the final performance of Fisher, who died in December 2016, with the film being dedicated in her memory . The plot follows Rey as she receives Jedi training from Luke Skywalker in hopes of turning the tide for the Resistance in the continued fight against Kylo Ren and the First Order . </P> <P> The film was announced after Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in October 2012 . It is produced by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman, with Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams acting as an executive producer . John Williams, composer for the previous seven films, returns to compose the score . Scenes that required shooting at Skellig Michael in Ireland were filmed during pre-production in September 2015, with principal photography beginning at Pinewood Studios in England in February 2016 and ending in July 2016 . Post-production wrapped in September 2017 . </P> <P> The Last Jedi had its world premiere in Los Angeles on December 9, 2017, and was released in the United States on December 15, 2017 . The film has grossed $450 million worldwide and received largely positive reviews . Critics praised it for its plot, ensemble cast, action scenes, visual effects, musical score and emotional weight; some considered it the best film of the franchise since The Empire Strikes Back . A sequel, provisionally titled Star Wars: Episode IX, is scheduled for release on December 20, 2019 . </P> <P> Resistance fighters led by General Leia Organa evacuate their base when a First Order fleet arrives . Following an effective but costly counterattack led by Poe Dameron, the Resistance vessels jump into hyperspace to escape, but the First Order follows using a tracking device . Kylo Ren, Leia's son, destroys the Resistance support fighters, but hesitates to fire at the lead Resistance ship after sensing his mother's presence . TIE fighters destroy the bridge of the ship, killing Admiral Ackbar and incapacitating Leia, leaving Vice Admiral Holdo in command . Disapproving of Holdo's passive strategy, Poe, Finn, BB - 8, and mechanic Rose Tico embark on a secret plan to disable the tracking device . </P>

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