The Latest: J.J. Abrams: Leia lives in newest ‘Star Wars’

CHICAGO (AP) — The Latest on the unveiling of details about the final installment of the third “Star Wars” trilogy at the Star Wars Celebration being held this weekend in Chicago (all times local):

11:15 a.m.

J.J. Abrams says that Carrie Fisher’s Leia will live in “Star Wars: Episode IX” through unused scenes from “The Force Awakens” that he’s been able to integrate into the story. 

Speaking Friday at the Star Wars Celebration event in Chicago, Abrams said having a CG character, recasting or just having her disappear, were not options. 

Fisher died in Dec. 2016, after shooting had wrapped on “The Last Jedi,” and her character is alive in the last shot of the film. It’s been a lingering question how the final installment in the new trilogy would handle Fisher’s passing. 

Abrams says that Leia lives in the film in a way that is mind-blowing to him.

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1 a.m.

The Skywalker saga may be coming to an end this December as the latest Star Wars trilogy finishes, but eight months out from its release fans still know precious little about what director J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy have in store for “Episode IX.”

That should change Friday at Star Wars Celebration in Chicago when Abrams takes the main stage with Kennedy for what is the most-anticipated event of the five day fan convention.

Just what will be revealed remains a mystery, although many expect to learn the title at least and perhaps even see some footage. Earlier Star Wars Celebrations have shown trailers or teasers from upcoming installments in the most recent trilogy that kicked off with 2015’s “The Force Awakens.”

“Episode IX” opens nationwide Dec. 20.