In a world where superhero films are now rated R for violence and toilet humour, Episode 9 director Colin Trevorrow is keen to keep Star Wars as a series that kids can relate to.

The Jurassic World filmmaker has spoken about how he thinks it is "crucial" that he keeps young people in mind when working on The Last Jedi's sequel.

"It's how it was with us [growing up]," Trevorrow told Fandango. "Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia were all characters that we were able to identify with in various ways, and especially with the character of Rey and what she means to young girls right now, and the challenges that she's up against.

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Related: Star Wars: The Last Jedi release date, director, cast, trailer and everything else you need to know

"It is extremely crucial that I understand what actual children are feeling about these stories that we're telling them. And I think it's important that I have kids, and if filmmakers don't have kids, they should go talk to them, because they don't see things the same way that we did when we were kids.

"So, yes, I am very dialled in to that because I think it's a requisite of the job."

Speculation over the tone of Rian Johnson's Star Wars: The Last Jedi has been high, with fans wondering whether it will follow the darker themes of The Empire Strikes Back.

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Related: 7 things we learned from The Last Jedi panel at Star Wars Celebration

Return of the Jedi, the third instalment in the original trilogy, was criticised for pandering to young viewers by refusing to kill any of the main cast and introducing the Ewoks, but we don't think that's what Trevorrow is driving towards.

Details for Episode 9 are, unsurprisingly, even lighter than they are for The Last Jedi. The late Carrie Fisher will not feature in the movie, and her death caused the filmmakers to 'pretty much start over' with their plans, as General Leia was originally intended to be "the hero" of that film.

Star Wars Episode 9 will be released on May 24, 2019, and shooting is scheduled to begin in early 2018.

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