<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 was produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures . The film's ensemble 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 . It features the first posthumous film performance by Fisher, who died in December 2016, and the film 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, while General Leia Organa, Finn, and Poe Dameron attempt to escape a First Order attack on the dwindling Resistance fleet . </P> <P> The Last Jedi is 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 . A number of scenes were filmed at Skellig Michael in Ireland during pre-production in September 2015, but principal photography began at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom in February 2016, and ended 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 grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, becoming the highest - grossing film of 2017, the seventh - highest - ever grossing film in North America and the ninth - highest - grossing film of all time during its theatrical run . It is also the second - highest - grossing film of the Star Wars franchise, and turned a net profit of over $417 million . It received positive reviews from critics, who praised its ensemble cast, visual effects, musical score, action sequences and emotional weight . The film received four nominations at the 90th Academy Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects, as well two nominations at the 71st British Academy Film Awards . A sequel, provisionally titled Star Wars: Episode IX, is scheduled for release on December 20, 2019 . </P> <P> Shortly after the battle of Starkiller Base, General Leia Organa leads Resistance forces to flee D'Qar when a First Order fleet arrives . Poe Dameron leads a costly counterattack that destroys a First Order dreadnought, but after the Resistance escapes to hyperspace, the First Order tracks them and attacks the Resistance convoy . Kylo Ren, Leia's son, hesitates to fire on the lead Resistance ship after sensing his mother's presence, but his TIE fighter wingmen destroy the bridge, killing most of their leadership and incapacitating Leia, who survives by using the Force . Disapproving of new leader Vice Admiral Holdo's passive strategy, Poe helps Finn, BB - 8, and mechanic Rose Tico embark on a secret mission to disable the First Order's tracking device . </P>

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