This past Friday saw Disney announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode IX, which confirmed the return of Carrie Fisher as Leia, as the actress passed away as a result of a heart attack in 2016.
Disney’s official press release announced:
The role of Leia Organa will once again be played by Carrie Fisher, using previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. “We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” says 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.”
The casting announcement also confirmed that Mark Hamill will be back as Luke Skywalker from Star Wars: The Last Jedi along with veteran Star Wars actors Anthony Daniels as C-3PO and Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian.
Following the news, Mark Hamill took to social media to comment on the return of Carrie Fisher for Star Wars: Episode IX.
“It’s bittersweet facing my final chapter without her-She is simply irreplaceable,” Hamill tweeted. “I’m finding solace in the fact that she won’t BE replaced & would love the worldwide outpouring of affection from those who loved her when they heard the news.#CarrieOnForever.”
It’s bittersweet facing my final chapter without her-She is simply irreplaceable. I’m finding solace in the fact that she won’t BE replaced & would love the worldwide outpouring of affection from those who loved her when they heard the news.#CarrieOnForever pic.twitter.com/7ueMqBxQwa
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) July 29, 2018
Mark Hamill also tweeted about the return of Billy Dee Williams as Lando with, “It’s finally fine to admit #ImInIX-Billy Dee @realbdw too-which is long overdue (No one’s ever really gone) Now only 17 months of ‘no comment’s when asked about it to avoid revealing details or fueling speculation #SeeYouAroundKids.”
It’s finally fine to admit #ImInIX-Billy Dee @realbdw too-which is long overdue (No one’s ever really gone) Now only 17 months of “no comment”s when asked about it to avoid revealing details or fueling speculation #SeeYouAroundKids https://t.co/REUTX571c6
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) July 28, 2018
Star Wars: Episode IX has a December 2019 release directed by J.J. Abrams also starring Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Richard E. Grant in an unknown role and Naomi Ackie is new to the trilogy in another undisclosed role.
