As the release date for Star Wars Episode 9, which will be on Dec. 20, 2019, is announced, fans have been very actively pitching the possible plots they can think of for the upcoming film — very popular among those is the rumor that Luke will be returning as a Force ghost.

NME reported that the rumor started after Mark Hamill (Luke) teased that his character will die in "The Last Jedi" in 2016. However, he also said that Luke will be back for the upcoming Episode 9. This caused fans to assume that Luke will indeed be returning as a Force ghost in the upcoming film. Rian Johnson, who wrote the script for "The Last Jedi" commented on the rumor circulating on the internet by saying that the rumor holds a considerable weight as it is a possibility for Luke's character. However, he will not be writing the script for Episode 9 so he doesn't know if the upcoming film's writers will follow through, but as a fan, he pointed out that he hopes Luke will return.

Meanwhile, Disney and Lucasfilm announced that Carrie Fisher's character (General Leia Organa) will not be making an appearance in Episode 9, despite Fisher's family giving their blessing to use her likeness for the upcoming film. Laura Dern (Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo) and Andy Serkis (Supreme Leader Snoke) will most likely not be returning to the upcoming film as their respective characters have died in "The Last Jedi."

The ninth film for the "Star Wars" franchise's name is still unknown. Episode 9 will be directed by "The Force Awakens" director J.J. Abrams, using the script written by Abrams and Chris Terrio. The official cast of the upcoming film has not yet been announced, although it will probably include Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver and Joonas Suotamo. Episode 9's trailer is expected to arrive in April 2019.