Sci-fi filmmaker J.J. Abrams is to direct "Star Wars: Episode IX," Lucasfilm announced on Tuesday, following the departure of Colin Trevorrow over creative differences.

Abrams -- a familiar face in the "Star Wars" universe who directed "The Force Awakens" (2015) -- will co-write the film with Chris Terrio, who won an Oscar for the screenplay for "Argo," (2012), the Disney-owned studio said.

Source: AFP