We also know that Princess Leia will have a role in Episode IX, thanks to some previously unused footage.
The casting announcement of Grant came along with Keri Russell and Naomi Ackie joining the film as well, all with undisclosed roles.
As Richard E. Grant mentions in the Twitter video, he auditioned for a generic scene blindly, completely unaware it would lead to a meeting with Abrams, who asked him to be in Star Wars: Episode IX.
The beaming update from the actor certainly should have fans giddy, too.