Star Wars 9: Character from original George Lucas trilogy to return in The Rise of Skywalker

One of the characters from George Lucas’s original Star Wars trilogy is set to return in new film The Rise of Skywalker.

Multiple sources have confirmed that Episode IX, which is directed by JJ Abrams, will bring back Luke’s Rogue Squadron co-founder, Wedge Antilles.

What’s more is he’ll be played by the same actor, Denis Lawson, who appeared in A New Hope (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).

The actor’s representative told podcast Rebel Force Radio that the leader will show up, news which has since led to theories about the possible re-emergence of the old Rebellion.

Abrams previously asked Lawson to return in The Force Awakens, but the actor `– who is Obi-Wan Kenobi star Ewan McGregor’s uncle – was unable to commit due to scheduling conflicts.

Whether or not Antilles’s appearance will be a large role or a small cameo, like Admiral Ackbar’s in Episode VII, remains to be seen.

Another theory doing the rounds predicts that Episode IX will reveal that the deceased Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) was a villain from the original trilogy in disguise.

There’s also another relating to a brand new character played by Keri Russell and her potential link to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who may or may not return alongside Anakin as a Force ghost.

Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker is released 16 December.