<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 installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy and the eighth main installment of the Star Wars franchise, following Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). It is produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures . The cast includes 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 . The film features the final film performance by Fisher, who died in December 2016, and is dedicated to 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 fight against Kylo Ren and the First Order . </P> <P> The Last Jedi was part of a new trilogy of films announced after Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in October 2012 . It was produced by Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman, with Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams as an executive producer . John Williams, composer for the previous films, returned 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 . It has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it the third - highest - grossing film of 2017, the 22nd - highest - grossing film of all time, and the second highest - grossing film in the Star Wars franchise, and received largely positive reviews . Critics praised it for its plot, ensemble cast, action, effects, score and emotional weight; some considered it the best Star Wars film 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, Resistance fighters manage to destroy a First Order dreadnought, before the Resistance vessels jump into hyperspace to escape, but the First Order pursues them 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 . However, TIE fighters destroy the bridge of the ship, killing several Resistance leaders and incapacitating Leia, who only survives by using the Force . Command falls to Vice Admiral Holdo . 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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