We’ve heard a lot of different stories about how Star Wars: Episode IX, the final part of the revived trilogy, will handle the death of Carrie Fisher. After her tragic passing last December, it was rumoured that CGI would be used to recreate her likeness for the movie – in the mold of Peter Cushing in Rogue One – but this was ruled out by Lucasfilm a while ago. It was also said that Episode 9 was to have had a major role for Leia and that the film’s storyline had to be completely rewritten after Fisher died.
The truth is, we really don’t know just yet how exactly the actress’ loss will be dealt with, but during a panel at New York Comic Con this past weekend, Mark Hamill confirmed those previous reports, saying that the sequel to The Last Jedi would indeed have featured the actress quite prominently.
“You’re going to really love her in (The Last Jedi),” Hamill told the crowd. “I know they’re going to try and find a way to close her story in (Episode) 9 that gives her the respect she deserves, because (Han Solo) was more prominent in 7 (The Force Awakens), Luke’s a little more prominent in 8, and certainly Leia was meant to be more prominent in 9.”
Again, this isn’t the first time we’re hearing about how big Fisher’s role would have been in Episode IX, but it’s nice to know that the film will close out her story in a respectful manner. It won’t be the only chapter in the franchise to acknowledge the actress’ untimely death, either, as The Last Jedi shoots for theaters on December 15th and when it does, it’ll include a poignant tribute to her.
Looking further ahead, the Mouse House has handed the keys to the Falcon over to J.J. Abrams for Star Wars: Episode IX – much to the dismay of Paramount Pictures – while a new, December 2019 release date has also been confirmed, which tees up a potentially huge box office clash with the so-far unnamed Wonder Woman sequel. And yes, Patty Jenkins will take point at the helm for Diana’s second solo movie following that record-setting deal.