​Despite most information about the new film being kept tightly under wraps, ​Star Wars fans can officially get excited for the return of the adorable BB-8, who will be coming back for Star Wars: Episode IX. 


BB-8 first debuted in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and now, thanks to a tweet from his puppeteer, Brian Herring, we know this cute ​rolling droid will be returning for ​Episode IX. 


Herring tweeted, "1st day of shooting for the little guy! So excited to be ‘rolling’ once again with @jjabrams and all the gang far, far away! Here’s to a fantastic shoot. #StarWars #IX #BB8 #puppeteer."

Though many fans' droid love for R2-D2 can't be replaced, BB-8 has definitely carved a rollerball sized place in the Star Wars franchise, so fans are excited to know we'll be seeing more of him ​next film. 


We were able to see R2-D2 light up again to reunite with Luke Skywalker in ​The Last Jedi, so hopefully he'll have at least another feature in Episode IX. 

bb8 and ray

Filming for Episode IX began last week and in addition to BB-8, other returning cast members include: Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd and veteran Star Wars actors, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams.


As for Leia Organa, unreleased footage of Carrie Fisher from The Force Awakens, as well as ​The Last Jedi will be used to fulfill her role. 


Star Wars: Episode IX, produced by Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Michelle Rejwan, alongside executive producers Callum Greene and Jason McGatlin, hits theaters December 20, 2019.