Originally published July 17, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson recently spoke with Good Morning America following the release of a behind-the-scenes sizzle reel for the next entry in the saga at D23 [watch it here], and naturally he was asked about the passing of Carrie Fisher and her role as General Leia in the film.
Speaking delicately on the subject, Johnson said: “Carrie gives a really beautiful performance in the film. We obviously didn’t make the movie to be her final Star Wars movie. Given that though, I think there are scenes that she has that are going to mean a lot to people and there are scenes that we have with her where now not having her around I watch them and I think I’m really thankful that we have that and we can give that to people. So ‘wraps up nicely,’ I don’t know, but it emotionally gives some kind of catharsis I guess, gives some kind of emotional satisfaction, I really think so, I hope so. I know for me it does.”
SEE ALSO: Rian Johnson says Luke and Rey are “the beating heart” of Star Wars: The Last Jedi
One of the most interesting aspects of Star Wars: The Last Jedi will without a doubt be how the filmmakers handle the situation, so it’s certainly reassuring to see that they are being very thoughtful with the finished product. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
In Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of The Force Awakens join the galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is set for release on December 14th in the UK and December 15th in the States and sees returning cast members Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Leia Organa), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma), Billie Lourd (Lieutenant Connix), Andy Serkis (Supreme Leader Snoke), Peter Mayhew and Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar), Mike Quinn (Nien Nunb), Simon Pegg (Unkar Plutt), and Warwick Davis joined by new additions Jimmy Vee (Pan) as R2-D2, Kelly Marie Tran (Ladies Like Us) as Rose, and Benicio Del Toro (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Laura Dern (Jurassic Park).
