Surprise! Carrie Fisher Will Be In Star Wars: Episode IX

Carrie Fisher will posthumously reprise her iconic role of Leia Organa one more time in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode IX. Lucasfilm reported the news on Friday (July 27) and also A list of other cast members signed on for the next film.


Fisher's unexpected return will be orchestrated using unreleased footage initially filmed for Star Wars: The Force Awakens — with the entire support of the late star's daughter (and fellow Star Wars actress), Billie Lourd.


Fisher died suddenly at the age of 60 in December 2016 right after filming Star Wars: The Last Jedi, prompting fans to wonder how the Skywalker saga could move into its final installment without one of its core characters. Apparently, director J.J. Abrams grappled with the same questions, even right after Lucasfilm vowed not to digitally recreate the star.


"We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” Abrams mentioned in a new statement. “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 [Lourd], we have noticed a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot with each other in Episode VII.”


Returning cast members Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Lourd will all appear in Episode IX. They'll join franchise staples Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who is set to reprise the role of Lando Calrissian for the opening time since 1983's Return of the Jedi. No word although on whether Gary the French bulldog has been tapped for another supporting role.


Star Wars: Episode IX is scheduled to start filming August 1 in London for a December 20, 2019 release.