'Star Wars: Episode IX' cast revealed

The cast for Star Wars: Episode IX was along with the announcement that filming will begin Aug. 1.

Lucasfilm revealed the big news for the next Star Wars movie Friday, giving fans a little teaser of what we can expect for the final film of the saga that has spanned four decades.

The press release was later amended to confirm reports that Keri Russell -- of Felicity and The Americans fame -- would be joining the cast.

Two other new names that are confirmed for Episode IX are Naomi Ackie, who won a British Independent Film Award in 2017 after her role in Lady Macbeth, and Richard E. Grant, who has had roles in a number of works including Logan and 1992's Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Some familiar returning names that made their debuts in more recent episodes include Daisy Ridley (Rey), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), and Billie Lourd (Kaydel Ko Connix).

Star Wars veterans from the original trilogy including Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), and Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) will also make appearances in Episode IX.

With Leia Organa still playing a part in Episode IX, Lucasfilm announced that the part has not been recast or done with CG after the passing of Carrie Fisher. Instead the movie will use unreleased footage captured from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Director J.J. Abrams said int he announcement that the team wanted to honor Fisher's indelible impact in Episode IX with her daughter's blessing.

"With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII,” he said.

Outside of actor roles, Lucasfilm also announced that acclaimed composer John Williams will be returning to score Episode IX.