<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 the United Kingdom 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 $1.3 billion worldwide, making it the highest - grossing film of 2017, the 6th - highest - ever 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 its ensemble cast, visual effects, musical score, action sequences and emotional weight; some considered it the best Star Wars film since The Empire Strikes Back . 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> Resistance forces, led by General Leia Organa, 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 . Poe is demoted for losing Resistance ships and for disobeying Leia . 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, incapacitating 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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