Star Wars Episode IX will start production this coming week and Lucasfilm and Disney have made some official announcements! We got an press release a couple of days ago detailing the cast for the movie and one important part of the film that we have all been waiting for news on, what will happen with the General Leia character now that Carrie Fisher has passed.
There has been a lot of speculation on whether or not they would use CGI, especially after all the work done in Rogue One or even the Marvel movies where they have been miraculously de-aging actors for their roles. The other option was a complete recasting and talk of that went as far as fans petitioning for Meryl Streep to take the part. Here’s what Lucasfilm had to say about the final decision:
The role of Leia Organa will once again be played by Carrie Fisher, using previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. “We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” says director J.J. 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.”
There you have it Towelites, Episode VII footage is making this all happen and we will somehow feel complete when this is over, hopefully. Concern is that the Leia role was pretty substantial for this film so I am interested how things will play out. I have faith in Abrams and the rest of Lucasfilm to do the right thing and deliver not only a great movie but a beautiful tribute to Leia Organa.
