New ‘Star Wars Episode IX’ Photos Reveal Knights Of Ren, Rey Vs. Kylo Ren, Luke Skywalker’s Return

The wait for Star Wars Episode IX is set to be a long one. Luckily, fans can now get a closer look at what to expect in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, thanks to the new photos revealed by Vanity Fair.

Most of the pictures were taken by famed photographer Annie Liebowitz. The images offer the best look so far at the Knights of Ren, who were first teased in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Additionally, there is a stunning shot of Rey battling it out with Kylo Ren as well as our first look at Luke Skywalker in Episode IX.

These guys are back and they’re ready for action!

The image of The Knights of Ren (which also features director J.J. Abrams) is certainly a welcome sight for fans who have been waiting to see these guys in action since The Force Awakens teased them several years ago. Although no details were revealed about the Knights, it has been noted that one member appears to be the fighter that Kylo Ren takes down in the Episode IX trailer.

The most stunning photo released shows Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) engaged in a lightsaber duel on top of what appears to be the Millennium Falcon. However, it’s still possible that they are fighting on a completely different structure. Nevertheless, it’s undoubtedly a very dramatic shot.

Another dramatic picture provides the first look at Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). The Jedi Master is shown surrounded by fire with R2-D2 by his side. There are speculations that Luke will appear in a vision set in Mustafar, the planet where Darth Vader built his castle.

Take a look at more Episode IX photos from the Vanity Fair cover story below.

Abrams directing Ridley in an action-packed scene in the desert.

Keri Russell’s Zori Bliss is a masked “scoundrel” who is seen in a new locale known as the Thieves’ Quarter on the planet of Kijimi.

This awesome behind-the-scenes look shows C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) with an umbrella.

General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) stands behind new character General Pryde (Richard E. Grant), a First Order officer. Looks like these two aren’t happy with Kylo Ren.

Threepio (and BB-8) really likes that umbrella.

Finn (John Boyega) is photographed with new character Jannah (Naomi Ackie) riding on some awesome new beasts.

Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) hangs out with Chewbacca (Joonas Soutamo) and returning original trilogy character Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) in the Millennium Falcon cockpit. You can also see BB-8 and his new droid friend D-O.

Another awesome behind-the-scenes look with Chewbacca, Rey, and BB-8.

John Williams conducting a symphony for General Leia Organa (the late Carrie Fisher).

New aliens that will be introduced in The Rise of Skywalker.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters on December 20.