<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 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 . The film features the final film performance by Fisher, who died in December 2016, and it 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 $1.2 billion worldwide, making it the highest - grossing film of 2017, the 6th - highest - grossing film in North America and the 9th - highest - grossing film of all time, as well as the second - highest - grossing film of the Star Wars franchise . It received positive reviews from critics, who praised it for its ensemble cast, special effects, score, action 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> The Resistance, led by General Leia Organa flee D'Qar when a First Order fleet arrives . A costly counterattack led by Poe Dameron destroys a First Order dreadnought, but after escaping 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 a TIE fighter attack incapacitates Leia . 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 tracking device . </P>

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