Though Peter Cushing’s surprise appearance in Rogue One demonstrated that Lucasfilm could digitally reanimate late actors, not everyone was convinced that they should, with the move receiving criticism of both the artistic and ethical varieties. So, when it was announced that next year’s Star Wars: Episode IX would only include Carrie Fisher through unused footage from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, many received this news with relief, including a few people who were personally acquainted with the actress.
Fisher’s own brother Todd reportedly fought for Leia Organa’s inclusion in the final film of the current trilogy, and Mark Hamill took to Twitter last month to show his approval of his onscreen sister’s return. Now, Fisher’s co-star Oscar Isaac has shared his thoughts on Abrams’ decision to bring back Leia, telling Yahoo Entertainment that he’s pleased with the approach taken by the upcoming flick.
“I’m very happy about that, I think it’ll be a wonderful way to deal with this character that we all love so much.”
Though General Leia spent much of her Last Jedi screen-time trying to rein in Poe Dameron’s reckless, cavalier ways, the affection between these two characters is consistently apparent, raising the question of whether Abrams is willing and able to deliver any further scenes between the pair.
A recent rumor suggests that Leia could still play an authoritative role in the Resistance, directing our heroes to various sections of the galaxy to recruit new allies and defend unconquered regions. If so, then it was probably her who sent Isaac’s character and his friend Finn to whatever rural place the pair was trekking through in those new set photos. You also have to wonder whether Poe will be getting any flak for indirectly crippling the rebellion in the previous movie when he went against the orders of Leia and her stand-in Vice Admiral Holdo.
All will become clear when Star Wars: Episode IX flies into cinemas on December 20th, 2019, and gives General Leia her last hurrah.