Star Wars: Episode IX has finished filming, as director and actors say goodbye

Star Wars: Episode IX has finished filming, marking the end of what Disney has dubbed the "Skywalker saga". In a pair of emotional tweets, director JJ Abrams and actor John Boyega shared a photo and thanked the actors and the team.

The photo in both tweets shows actors Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac kissing in costume on what appears to be a desert background. The three characters play the main characters of the new trilogy: Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron, respectively.

"It seems impossible, but today, we photographed the episode IX," Abrams said. "There is no adequate way to thank this truly magical team and cast, I am indebted to you all."

Boyega expressed similar feelings.

Abrams directed the first film of the new trilogy, The Force Awakens, and helped chart the way for Disney's franchise ownership. Rian Johnson directed the second film, The Last Jedi. Episode IX (title to be revealed) was to be directed by Jurassic World director, Colin Trevorrow, but this one collapsed due to creative differences and Abrams returned to close the trilogy.

The end of the Skywalker saga arriving later this year, it is unclear exactly in which direction Disney will evolve with the franchise. The company has curtailed its derivative anthology films, after Solo was disappointed at the box office and Disney CEO Bob Iger suggested that fans get tired of watching too much Star Wars. Last Jedi director Rian Johnson is still gearing up to direct his own film trilogy, but we do not know exactly where these films are going.

Meanwhile, the company is preparing to launch its own streaming service, Disney +, which will feature its own selection of original shows: The Mandalorian, a prequel to Rogue One with Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and a new season of The Clone Wars.