JJ Abrams & Kathleen Kennedy Talk Shooting ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ In Jordan

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and J.J. Abrams thanked Jordan for using the Wadi Rum desert as a Star Wars: Episode IX shooting location.

Wadi Rum is the latest desert to be used as a location in the Star Wars universe, however, it isn’t the first time it will be seen on screen; the desert was also used as a location for Jedha in Rogue One. The moon was of course destroyed by the Death Star in Rogue One but Luke Skywalker did visit the fallen Jedi mecca in the Marvel comic arc, “Ashes of Jedha.” Filming continues for Episode IX but their time in Jordan has come to an end. Abrams thanked the Royal Film Location for allowing them to use the exotic Jordanian location for the final installment in the Skywalker saga:

“Wadi Rum is breathtakingly beautiful and the perfect location for our film. I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to shoot in Jordan. Between the warm welcome from the government and the dedication and hard work of the local film professionals, we couldn’t have had a better experience. We are enormously grateful. “

Kennedy also thanked the commission for allowing them to shoot at the desert location:

“I also want to thank the Royal Film Commission Jordan, and the Army, whose tremendous support has been invaluable, and helped make this shoot possible.”

Do you think Jedha will be in Episode IX? Or Waddu Rum a new planet? Comment below!

Star Wars: Episode IX stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell, Matt Smith, Dominic Monaghan, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, and Mark Hamill.

Star Wars: Episode IX hits theaters December 20, 2019.

Stay tuned to Heroic Hollywood for the latest news on the future of the Star Wars franchise as we learn it.

Source: Royal Film Commission