‘JURASSIC World’ helmer Colin Trevorrow was confirmed as the director of “Star Wars: Episode IX.” It was announced at the D23 Expo in Anaheim.

    Trevorrow shepherded “Jurassic World” into becoming the third highest-grossing movie ever, knocking Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” from the spot.

    “Colin is someone I’ve been interested in working with ever since I saw ‘Safety Not Guaranteed,’” Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement. “The power of that film paired with the enormous success of ‘Jurassic World’ speaks volumes about his abilities both as a storyteller and skilled filmmaker. We are thrilled to have such an incredible talent as Colin join our family and step into the ‘Star Wars’ universe.”

    Trevorrow added, “This is not a job or an assignment. It is a seat at a campfire, surrounded by an extraordinary group of storytellers, filmmakers, artists and craftspeople. We’ve been charged with telling new stories for a younger generation because they deserve what we all had — a mythology to call their own. We will do this by channeling something George Lucas instilled in all of us: boundless creativity, pure invention and hope.”

    As previously announced, Rian Johnson is directing “Star Wars: Episode VIII.” Johnson is known for his work on “Looper” and “The Brothers Bloom.” The film is scheduled for release on May 26, 2017.

    (SD-Agencies)