Carrie Fisher's sudden passing after a heart attack in December 2016 shook the Star Wars fandom and, despite having completed the production for Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, placed a cloud of uncertainty with regard to Princess Leia's appearance and role in the remaining film in the saga.
Todd Fisher and Billie Lourd, Fisher's brother and daughter, confirmed giving Disney permission to use previously shot footage of Fisher as General Leia Organa for Episode IX; however, Lucasfilm's Kathleen Kennedy just came out and denied this.
Lucasfilm also released the Star Wars Episode VIII's first official teaser and Luke Skywalker's words may shock some fans.
The Last Jedi Official Teaser
After a long wait, Lucasfilm and Disney finally released the first official teaser trailer for Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, which completed its filming in July 2016. The two-minute teaser video begins where The Force Awakens left off: on the island where Luke Skywalker had been hiding for years and it seems Rey is already in the middle of Jedi training.
Halfway into the video, we are treated with some snippets of the action in the film — including what seems to be an attack on the Rebellion's hideout. Then, just before the blood red film logo appears, Luke utters the line that will send chills down the fandom's spine: "I only know one truth: It's time for the Jedi to end."
Watch the teaser video below.
Lucasfilm Says Todd Fisher Is Confused
As mentioned earlier, Todd Fisher happily announced that Carrie Fisher's role, Princess Leia, will not be removed from the current Star Wars trilogy. While the confirmation was welcome news to some people in the fandom, it turns out that this is just not true.
In a recent interview with ABC News, however, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy said that the confirmation may have stemmed from Fisher's confusion. She then went on to deny any plans to use previously shot footage to insert General Leia in Star Wars Episode IX.
"[...] we're so lucky that we were able to complete shooting in the summer. Unfortunately, Carrie passed away [...] We started over again in January. So sadly, Carrie will not be in IX," Kennedy clarifies.
She also reveals that, while Fisher will not be in Episode IX, fans will get to see a lot of General Leia in Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi.
Watch a snippet of Kennedy's interview below.
EXCLUSIVE: Lucasfilm President Kathy Kennedy says Carrie Fisher will NOT be in @StarWars Episode 9 as General Leia. #SWCO #TheLastJedi pic.twitter.com/gxH80QteYb
— Good Morning America (@GMA) April 14, 2017
