Yesterday it was reported that Disney had entered negotiations with the estate of Carrie Fisher in order to secure the rights to her likeness for future instalments of the Star Wars saga, prompting speculation that the late actress would be digitally resurrected for Star Wars: Episode IX.
Naturally the report caused a little controversy and concern among fans, and now Lucasfilm has moved to deny the rumour with the following statement on the official Star Wars site:
“We don’t normally respond to fan or press speculation, but there is a rumor circulating that we would like to address. We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher’s performance as Princess or General Leia Organa. Carrie Fisher was, is, and always will be a part of the Lucasfilm family. She was our princess, our general, and more importantly, our friend. We are still hurting from her loss. We cherish her memory and legacy as Princess Leia, and will always strive to honor everything she gave to Star Wars.”
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Carrie Fisher had reportedly completed her work on Star Wars: Episode VIII prior to her passing, and we’ll see her final role as Leia when the movie opens on December 15th.
Originally published January 14, 2017. Updated April 15, 2018.
