John Boyega Comments On J.J. Abrams Directing 'Episode IX'

10/02/2017 04:41 pm EDT

Most of the cast and crew of The Last Jedi are currently busy getting ready for that film's release, but following the announcement that J.J. Abrams will be directing Episode IX instead of Colin Trevorrow, cast members have begun to share their thoughts on the situation. John Boyega is the most recent actor to comment on the situation, jokingly taking credit for Abrams' return to the saga.

"Yeah, I'm really happy, really excited," Boyega told CinemaBlend. "I actually sent him an email and asked him if the real reason is because he misses me. And I think that's what it is; that's the only reason why he came back, and I appreciate that."

Throughout the promotional tour for The Force Awakens, Boyega regularly joked about how he had become best friends with Harrison Ford, despite Ford's reluctance to confirm that claim, so it's no surprise Boyega used humor to both address the situation while not making a comment on Trevorrow leaving.

In September, Domhnall Gleeson, who plays General Hux in the films, was the first actor to weigh-in on the shake-up, which was reportedly due to professional difficulties between Lucasfilm and Trevorrow.

"I think it's very bad for Colin but if that was -- but if the right thing to do is to part company, the most right thing to do is the same in any relationship, you know?," Gleeson told IGN. "That happens."

The actor's response about Trevorrow's departure was diplomatic, but Gleeson was clearly excited about Abrams returning to the franchise.

"And then with J.J., he's a great director," the actor said. "I think that he did a brilliant job on the first one and it makes absolute sense why after they parted company with Colin that was the place they looked and I think it's very exciting for the fans of the film that he's back."

Star Wars: Episode IX is due in theaters on December 20, 2019.

[H/T CinemaBlend]

Disclosure: ComicBook is owned by CBS Interactive, a division of Paramount. Sign up for Paramount+ by clicking here.