Episode nine of the space fantasy series is finally in cinemas.
Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker brings to end the saga that began either in 1977 or in 1999, depending on how pedantic you want to be.
But with Disney at the helm and the spin-off movies and TV shows having already begun, you can bet the Force will be with us for a very long time.
Good news for those of in the North East who aren’t ready to hang up our lightsabers quite yet ...
1. Assembled forces
Characters at the SciFair, in the old Seaburn Centre, Sunderland, in 2014. Pictured from left are Robbie Mellor as superhero Mr Fantastic, a stormtrooper from Star Wars, Gwyneth Griffiths as Black Widow from the Avengers, and Ian Wardrobe as the Terminator. Photo: JPIMedia
2. A long time ago in 1983
Darth Vader popped into T and G Allan's shop in King Street, South Shields. From left, David Wardle, Lee Foster, Graham Hunter, Ben Alexander, Stewart Cross, Victoria Watson and Paul Kolster. Photo: JPIMedia
3. Attack of the tomes
Star Wars characters visited South Shields Library in 2008 as part of the National Year of Reading. Photo: JPIMedia
4. Galactic glamour
Members of the 99th Garrison Star Wars Costuming Groups at the Kingcon Comic Convention at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, in 2016. Photo: Tim Richardson