Nine movies. Three trilogies. One galaxy far, far away. The final episode of Star Wars’ central Skywalker Saga is just a matter of months away – and in a major world exclusive, Empire has the first word on Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise Of Skywalker, which brings JJ Abrams back into the writer-director’s chair and concludes an epic family saga that began way back in 1977.
In the November 2019 issue, Empire speaks to Abrams, co-writer Chris Terrio, and franchise boss Kathleen Kennedy, to talk the momentous task of bringing the saga home, following up The Last Jedi, and tying back into all three eras of the story. The magazine comes in two covers, each adorned by one of the sequel trilogy’s Force-sensitive leads – first up is Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren, or Ben Solo, back in his signature helmet (now with rupturing red cracks) and wielding his crossguard lightsaber.
Secondly, fighting back from the Light Side is Daisy Ridley’s Rey, bearing the iconic Skywalker lightsaber that has recurred through the entire trilogy of trilogies.
You can pre-order each cover online now here – and if you want both, you can pick them up together in a discounted bundle at the price of £7.99 here.
This month’s exclusive subscriber cover is a bespoke illustration by Paul Shipper, featuring both Rey and Ren bathed in light and cloaked in darkness.
Stay tuned for more about Empire’s world exclusive Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker issue soon – and prepare for the magazine to Force-project itself onto newsstands on Thursday 3 October. Want stunning exclusive covers like the one above delivered directly to your door? Subscribe here.
Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker arrives in UK cinemas on 19 December.