As far as movie franchises go, there are none quite as massive and beloved as Star Wars. George Lucas' epic space opera as been passed down across generations, so the pressure is on for J.J. Abrams to deliver a satisfying conclusion for the Skywalker Saga with Episode IX. But Abrams has plenty of challenges ahead, one of which being the untimely death of Carrie Fisher. Fisher's General Leia is being brought back for one last movie, through unused footage from her most recent two appearances in the franchise. Oscar Isaac recently spoke to this ambitious way of completing Leia's story, saying:
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.
While bringing Leia and Carrie Fisher back through the use of old footage and clever editing is certainly a risk, everyone at Star Wars seems to think it's the right thing to do. Completing Leia's legacy will likely give everyone closure in the end, and is a final way to honor the iconic and beloved Carrie Fisher.
Oscar Isaac's comments to Yahoo will no doubt help grow fan anticipation for Episode IX, while also possibly quelling the fears of some OG Star Wars fans out there. While Leia was briefly recreated at the end of Rogue One, it'll be harder to catch every Carrie Fisher nuance through the use of CGI and old footage in Episode IX. Her dialogue will be limited, and the greater story Abrams likely had in mind for the icon will have to be changed in order to accommodate these new circumstances.
Episode IX will be the conclusion of the current Star Wars trilogy, and will also wrap up the narrative fans have been following since 1977's A New Hope. The battle of good vs evil will come to a head, with the small but scrappy Resistance making one last attempt to end the First Order. Leia is the only original hero to still be alive in the canon, although Billy Dee Williams' Lando Calrissian will finally return when Episode IX arrives. In addition to wrapping up Leia's long tenure in the franchise, the new characters will also get their endings. This includes Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron, who seems the heir apparent as leader of The Resistance.
It should be interesting to see how Leia is ultimately serviced in Episode IX. She was originally going to have a very big role, but that's likely not the case now. And considering the massive changes the General went through in Episode IX, it's a relief that fans will get to check back in on Leia, and that Carrie Fisher will be present as the story comes to a close.
All will be revealed when Episode IX arrives in theaters on December 20th, 2019. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
