Star Wars Episode VIII, written and directed by Rian Johnson, will now be released on December 15 in 2017, rather than the previously scheduled May 26, 2017, date.
Hollywood blockbusters released during the summer months have drawn in the biggest audiences in recent years.
But Disney noted the success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, released worldwide last month, already has become the highest-grossing release in North America with $US861 million ($NZ1.3 billion) and the third-biggest global release in history, taking in $US1.88 billion at the box office to date.
Episode VIII will start filming in London in February and is expected to continue the tale of new characters Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and the villainous Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).
Franchise veterans Carrie Fisher (General Leia) and Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) also are expected to return, although Disney did not comment on casting.
Star Wars: Rogue One, a stand-alone story set in the world of Star Wars with new characters, will be released this December.
Disney said it will put the fifth installment of its popular Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, starring Johnny Depp, in the May 2017 slot previously occupied by Episode VIII.
The franchise has grossed $US3.7 billion worldwide to date.
