Rewatch Star Wars 9's Panel: "Rise Of Skywalker" Title And Trailer Revealed At Celebration

The huge Star Wars fan event, Star Wars Celebration, is officially underway in Chicago. It started out with a high-profile panel focused on the next big movie: Star Wars: Episode 9, and this brought with it the reveal of Episode 9's title: The Rise of Skywalker. Additionally, we got the first Episode 9 trailer, which was capped off with a surprise when we heard the laughter of Emperor Palpatine. If there were any debate about whose voice it was, actor Ian McDiarmid briefly appeared on stage after the trailer first rolled, further reinforcing that the iconic villain will apparently return in some capacity. There were lots of other tidbits to be gleaned as well, such as the fact that Kylo Ren might be getting his helmet back. We'll report back with more details as we continue to dig in.

Lucasfilm has now published today's panel if you're interested in rewatching--at the very least, it's worth checking out the portion with C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels, who seems to be having just the best time. Further below, you can find the official Star Wars livestream below, which is ongoing for the first day of Celebration. While Episode 9's panel was undoubtedly the highlight of today--and arguably the entire weekend--there's still much more to come. You can check out ore of our coverage through the links below.

• The Rise Of Skywalker Trailer Breakdown
• 18 Images From Episode 9's Panel
• Death Star Wreck Shows Up In Episode 9 Trailer
• How Emperor Palpatine Can Come Back
• When Does Star Wars 9: Rise Of Skywalker Take Place?
• What Does Episode 9's Title Mean?

The original story follows.

The panel began with Stephen Colbert as host bringing out director JJ Abrams and Star Wars boss Kathleen Kennedy to talk about the film and the excitement around it. Beyond that, the panel promises new details about the highly anticipated third movie in the new trilogy. It's widely assumed that the first Episode 9 trailer will make its debut and that we'll get the official title.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and director JJ Abrams are already on stage, while the panel's official description also teases there will be "plenty of surprises and special guests." According to Lucasfilm, this is an event "you will definitely not want to miss." As of this writing, we haven't gotten many meaningful details yet, with Kennedy and Abrams talking broadly about how they reached this point and what Episode IX means to them and to Star Wars. Abrams did, however, reveal, the movie is about the core group going on an adventure together. He also noted that some time has passed since the end of the last movie. The cast has now assembled on stage, including a newcomer, although Adam Driver is conspicuously absent.

The entire panel is being live streamed. You can watch it through the Star Wars YouTube channel or in the video embed below. It's scheduled to run for an hour total, so the title and trailer--if they are coming--should be debuting soon.

Star Wars Episode 9 Panel Start Time

• 9 AM PT
• 11 AM CT
• 12 PM ET
• 5 PM BST
• 4 AM AEDT (Saturday, April 13)

Despite Episode 9 releasing on December 20, 2019, we know very little about it. As noted above, it doesn't have a title yet, so that could be among the reveals for the panel. There also hasn't been a trailer or any footage released, so Star Wars Celebration seems as likely a place as any to release one based on what the event typically brings. Abrams, who previously directed 2015's The Force Awakens, was brought on after Jurassic World's Colin Trevorrow was let go from the role.

The third and final entry in the new trilogy that began with The Force Awakens, Episode IX wraps up the entire Skywalker Saga that began all the way back in 1977.

Star Wars Celebration also promises news and reveals for the new Star Wars game Jedi Fallen Order from the developers of Apex Legends and Titanfall. Go to GameSpot sister site CNET to see a full rundown of what to expect from the show.