Earlier this month, Carrie Fisher’s brother said the late actress would be in Star Wars: Episode IX. At the time, he said Lucasfilm would use “recent footage” of the actress to put her in the film. Now, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has responded, confirming that Fisher will not be in Episode IX.
Kennedy confirmed this is an interview with Good Morning America, which airs on Disney subsidiary ABC. “Sadly, Carrie will not be in [Episode IX],” Kennedy said. You can watch the clip below (via The Verge).
EXCLUSIVE: Lucasfilm President Kathy Kennedy says Carrie Fisher will NOT be in @StarWars Episode 9 as General Leia. #SWCO #TheLastJedi pic.twitter.com/gxH80QteYb
— Good Morning America (@GMA) April 14, 2017
Fisher will reprise her role as General Organa in this December’s The Last Jedi. You will be seeing a lot of her in the movie, and she’s great in it, Kennedy said in the interview. The first trailer for The Last Jedi was released today at Star Wars Celebration–watch it here.
Kennedy mentioned in the GMA interview that the script for 2019’s Episode IX was not written when Fisher passed away in December 2016. Fisher’s brother, Todd, was “confused” regarding Carrie’s appearance in Episode IX, Kennedy said.
Kennedy and Episode IX director Colin Trevorrow met in January 2017 to discuss Leia’s role in the Star Wars universe going forward. Lucasfilm also confirmed that it would not use CGI to digitally resurrect Leia.
“Carrie Fisher was, is, and always will be a part of the Lucasfilm family,” the statement continued. “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.”
A touching tribute to Fisher was released at Star Wars Celebration this week–watch it here.