The sequel will conclude the third trilogy in the movie series, following the release of J.J. Abrams' highly-anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens later this year (15), and Rian Johnson's follow-up, Episode VIII, which is slated for a 2017 opening.

The announcement was made at the Disney D23 Expo event in California on Saturday (15Aug15), and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has hailed Trevorrow's appointment, describing him as "an incredible talent".

She adds, "Colin is someone I've been interested in working with ever since I saw (his 2012 drama) Safety Not Guaranteed.

"The power of that film paired with the enormous success of Jurassic World speaks volumes about his abilities both as a storyteller and skilled filmmaker."

Trevorrow, whose Jurassic World sequel has grossed over $1.5 billion at the global box office, admits the new project is "not a job or an assignment", and is instead a chance to share his ideas with fellow Star Wars creatives.

He says "It is a seat at a campfire, surrounded by an extraordinary group of storytellers, film-makers, artists and craftspeople.

"We've been charged with telling new stories for a younger generation because they deserve what we all had - a mythology to call their own. We will do this by channelling something (franchise creator) George Lucas instilled in all of us: boundless creativity, pure invention and hope."

The Disney D23 Expo was full of Star Wars surprises as bosses also revealed fans will soon be invited to climb aboard the Millennium Falcon with the launch of new theme park rides based on the sci-fi phenomenon at its locations in California and Orlando, Florida.

Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger told the crowd, "We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever. These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance."

The event also featured appearances by Abrams and Star Wars icon Harrison Ford, who joined fellow cast members John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and Lupita Nyong'o on Saturday to unveil new artwork for The Force Awakens.