(WCMH) — Carrie Fisher will return as Leia Organa in Star Wars Episode IX using unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The announcement was made Friday, along with the announcement of the rest of the featured cast.
“We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” said Director J.J. 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.”
Returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd.
Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant.
Returning veteran Star Wars actors include Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.
Composer John Williams will score the movie.
Release is scheduled for December 2019.
