Earlier today (see below) we reported that Carrie Fisher's likeness as Princess/General Leia could be recreated as it was for ROGUE ONE in future Star Wars films, based on a BBC Newsnight piece that suggested that was the intent. In an unusual move, the official Star Wars site has issued a press release, stating the contrary, which should put those rumors to rest…for now. Below is the full statement:
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.
Guess we can leave that as the final word, seeing as where it originates, but I'm still a bit skeptical that it works out exactly that way in the long run. I guess we'll find out as the Star Wars saga continues… – PS
Original post below:
There's been a lot of speculation regarding Princess Leia's role in STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII and IX, and the following bit of news may point is in the direction that Lucasfilm is headed. BBC Newsnight recently did a piece about the use of CG to depict humans in live-action films. Some of the focus was, rightfully, on ROGUE ONE's use of Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher. During the show it was announced that Lucasfilm was meeting with the Carrie Fisher estate regarding the use of her likeness in upcoming Star Wars installments. The video itself is only available in the U.K., but MovieWeb transcribed the following quote:
And if what might be regarded as unseemly haste, Disney is negotiating with the actor's estate over her continued appearance in the franchise. If Disney gets the go-ahead, Carrie Fisher will join Peter Cushing…
If we look at this plainly, it seems as if Lucasfilm might pull a ROGUE ONE and give us a digital Leia in Episode IX and possibly VIII, when needed. However, I don't think they're going to go that route. This is purely speculation on my part, but I'm guessing that Lucasfilm wants to cover their bases and if any re-writes involve the character, they want to have some options to work with. Here's hoping those options don't include a ridiculous CG mock-up.
STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII will open in theaters on December 15, 2017.