Star Wars Episode IX to Feature Elite Red Stormtroopers

Though they looked like giant red chess pieces, the Praetorian guards from Star Wars: The Last Jedi ended up pretty badass onscreen. Though they were wiped out in TLJ, it's been confirmed that there will be an elite version of troopers appearing in Episode IX with red armor as well.

This was confirmed by Making Star Wars who gives us as many details as they can:

There's a new type of elite trooper in Star Wars: Episode IX that is pretty much a solid red Stormtrooper with black stripes. The trooper does not appear to be one of the red pilots from Star Wars: Resistance, but it almost sounds like they were developed together. One theory I currently hold is that Elrik Vonreg from Resistance might be an unused design for this new Episode IX trooper, but that's a guess. The trooper is not just a First Order Stormtrooper painted red either, as the helmet is different. Ironically, we did hear the trooper was a pilot but for all we know these are like Death Troopers and they can fly ships too. We also can't confirm there are more than one in the film at this time.

With Phasma possibly dead, and the stormtroopers having no discernable commander, I think it would be cool to introduce an elite squadron in Episode IX. By the looks of it, they're the spiritual successor of Inferno Squadron from Battlefront II, elite soldiers on foot and in a cockpit.

Personally, I think the film is also hiding some kind of return for Phasma. After being one of the most hyped up characters in the film — even getting her own novel —it would seem such a waste if Phasma would just die the way she did. Then again, director Rian Johnson has likened Phasma to be the "Kenny from South Park" of the Star Wars franchise.

Who are these elite troopers? We'll just have to wait for Star Wars to officially announce them sometime next year. If we're lucky, LEGO will probably leak something early.

Star Wars Episode IX is set to come out Dec. 20, 2019.

See Also: Star Wars: Episode IX Title Rumor Says The Film Is Named 'Son Of Darkness'