The company did not cite specific reasons for the push, but did note the success of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," which smashed box office records in December.

The next installment of Disney 's "Star Wars" franchise, originally slated to debut on May 26, 2017, will now be released on Dec. 15, 2017, seven months later.

The film has garnered more than $861 million domestically and $1.89 billion globally — the third largest global release ever.

The next installment of the franchise is currently in pre-production and will begin principal photography next month in London.

Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" will take the May 26, 2017, slot from "Star Wars," moving it up from its previously scheduled July 7, 2017, debut.

The release date for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" has not been changed by Disney and is still slated for Dec. 16, 2016.