J.J. Abrams Confirms The Rise of Skywalker Won’t Be the Longest Episode

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J.J. Abrams confirms The Rise of Skywalker won’t be the longest episode

Last month, it was revealed that director J.J. Abrams’ upcoming Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker would be the longest episode in the Star Wars film franchise with a reported runtime of 155 minutes. However, in a recent interview with EWLive on SiriusXM 109, Abrams has dismissed the previous reports by confirming that the official runtime for the highly-anticipated epic conclusion will be approximately “two hours and 21 minutes.” He also noted that it would only probably change by a minute or two for the film’s end credits.

Because of this news, The Last Jedi remains as the longest Star Wars film with 152 minutes which would be followed by The Rise of the Skywalker with 141 minutes and Abrams’ Force Awakens with 138 minutes.

Returning cast members for The Rise of Skywalker include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast are Naomi Ackie (Doctor Who), Richard E. Grant (Logan), Dominic Monaghan (Lord of the Rings), and Keri Russell (The Americans), who will also be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian. The role of Leia Organa will once again be played by Carrie Fisher, using previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

In addition to directing, Abrams co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Terrio (Argo, Justice League). Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, and Abrams will produce, with Callum Greene and Jason McGatlin executive producing. Composer John Williams, who has scored every chapter in the Star Wars saga since 1977’s A New Hope, will return to a galaxy far, far away with Rise of Skywalker.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is scheduled for release on December 20.