Lucasfilm have announced that Carrie Fisher will appear in Episode IX using unseen footage shot during The Force Awakens.
The legendary actress who played General Leia Organa passed away on December 27th 2016. She is dearly missed by the entire Star Wars fandom.
Lucasfilm announced the decision to include Fisher in Episode IX as part of a statement announcing the Episode IX cast.
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 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 decision as to how to complete the narrative arc for Leia, whilst balancing that with the pain of Carrie’s loss was always going to be a difficult decision for Lucasfilm, and they have found what they hope will be a balance to honour her.
