A galaxy far, far away is not done with Carrie Fisher. Not that any of us could ever be.
Today, Star Wars announced the official cast for the yet untitled Episode IX. With it came the confirmation that the role of Leia Organa will once again be played by the beloved Fisher, who passed away shortly before Episode VIII: The Last Jedi was released. The plan is to use previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
“We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” said director JJ Abrams. “Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast, or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.”
The official site also confirmed that “returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant, who will be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.”
Star Wars: Episode IX will begin filming at London’s Pinewood Studios on August 1, 2018. J.J. Abrams will direct the final installment in this new trilogy, off a script he co-wrote with Chris Terrio.
Star Wars: Episode IX is set to be released in December 2019.