With Star Wars Episode IX a little over a year away from release, details have been scarce and shrouded in secrecy. J.J. Abrams is putting it all together to wrap up the saga, and fans are occasionally treated to a peek behind the scenes by various talent on the film. With the last movie getting a lot of scrutiny from some fans, there is a lot of speculation as to whether or not the final episode will bring something better to the franchise.

While the latest set photo doesn’t get those fans any closer to the answer, it has revealed some interesting details about what we might see in Star Wars Episode IX. Director of Photography Dan Mindel shared the photo on his Instagram, showing an expansive and detailed location. See for yourself in the photo below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmZF7lbH231/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Mindel and Abrams are known collaborators, having worked together on Star Wars: The Force Awakens, two Star Trek films, and the third Mission Impossible. There are little details to go on looking at the picture above, however, the location tag suggests they’re at London’s Pinewood Studios. Strange arches and elaborate lighting surrounded by green screen suggests there will be more to this set than meets the eye and we may have to pay close attention to Star Wars Episode IX when it comes out to recognize this set based on its set pieces.

There are few details on the film besides these vague teasers and a casting notice that went out with the beginning of filming announcement. Of course, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Adam Driver, and Joonas Suatomo are reprising their roles along with Anthony Edwards and Mark Hamill. It is surprising however that Billy Dee Williams will be reprising his Lando Calrissian role, and unused footage of Carrie Fisher will help continue General Leia Organa story, a detail that was previously said to not be included in the final film. Abrams had this to say about including footage of Fisher in the final film:

We desperately loved Carrie Fisher. Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast, or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.”

Star Wars Episode IX releases in theaters in December of 2019.

What are your thoughts about the Star Wars Episode IX set photo? How will they make unused Carrie Fisher footage work for the final film? Join in on the conversation in the comment section below! Don’t forget to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news 24/7!