Stars Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker trailer drops

The title of the ninth film in the Skywalker saga has a name.

The Rise of Skywalker, directed by Lost and Alias creator JJ Abrams, will be out this December.

The preview trailer, released Saturday morning (NZ time), features Rey leaping over a TIE interceptor, the return of Billy Dee Williams' Lando Calrissian, a brief shot of the late Carrie Fisher as Leia and what appears to be a crashed Death Star.

It ends with a creepy laugh which fans have identified as belonging to none other than Emperor Palpatine himself.

A thrilling scene in the trailer. Photo credit: Lucasfilm/Disney

Newcomers expected to star in the The Rise of Skywalker include The Americans' Keri Russell, Richard E Grant and Doctor Who's Matt Smith.

It's Abrams' second time behind the camera in the Star Wars franchise, having previously directed The Force Awakens.

Watch the teaser trailer.

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