AceShowbiz -

Ever since harvesting acclaims for his work in "Jurassic World", Colin Trevorrow has been on top of the list as most wanted director. He has accepted the offer to helm the highly-anticipated "Star Wars Episode IX".

The announcement was made at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. Rumor has it, Trevorrow already took the job over this summer but the studio was not ready to announce it at the San Diego Comic Con. Kennedy revealed how they had eyed Trevorrow long before "Jurassic World" successfully became the third highest-grossing movie ever.

"Colin is someone I've been interested in working with ever since I saw 'Safety Not Guaranteed'," Kennedy said in a statement. "The power of that film paired with the enormous success of 'Jurassic World' speaks volumes about his abilities both as a storyteller and skilled filmmaker. We are thrilled to have such an incredible talent as Colin join our family and step into the Star Wars universe."

J.J. Abrams will direct "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", the first in the new trilogy which kicks off December 18. Rian Johnson will then take over for the second movie "Star Wars Episode VIII" which premieres May 26, 2017. "Star Wars Episode IX" will not debut until 2019, giving Trevorrow enough time to complete "Book of Henry".

Taking the final movie in the series, Trevorrow said it was neither a job or an assignment but rather "a seat at a campfire" with many others. He said, "We've been charged with telling new stories for a younger generation because they deserve what we all had - a mythology to call their own. We will do this by channeling something George Lucas instilled in all of us: boundless creativity, pure invention and hope."