J.J. Abrams Says Star Wars: Episode IX Is The Most Challenging Film He’s Developed

J.J. Abrams might have a lot of pretty great films under his belt, but it looks like the Star Wars: The Force Awakens director finds that the third and final sequel trilogy entry, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, has been the most challenging project that he's worked on yet.

Lucasfilm's Star Wars YouTube channel, The Star Wars Show, just recently caught up with The Rise of Skywalker's cast and crew to ask a few questions about the new trilogy, and Abrams was asked what it felt like to appear at this year's D23 Expo to talk about Episode IX.

"It's been a gift to work with these people again. To get to deal with these characters again. I didn't think that was going to happen for me," the filmmaker told The Star Wars Show's hosts.

Of course, fans might remember, Abrams wasn't originally meant to direct The Rise of Skywalker. Lucasfilm first hired Jurassic World and The Book of Henry director Colin Trevorrow for the film, however, the studio was unhappy with the drafts that the filmmaker submitted for the film. Now, Abrams, the filmmaker in charge of revitalizing the franchise with The Force Awakens, is back on board, this time to work on one of the biggest films of the year.

"This ending, which is such an important thing for all of us, by far, has been the most challenging thing I've ever worked on," Abrams admitted.

Of course, it is. There's a lot riding on Episode IX. Not only is the film supposed to close the sequel trilogy, but it's also supposed to culminate the Skywalker saga.

Are you ready for Episode IX?

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker premieres December 20, 2019.

Read:Star Wars: The Mandalorian Photo Teases Gina Carano, Pedro Pascal In Action