Lucasfilm has denied rumours that it plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher for future films in the Star Wars series, after a rumour spread that it had approached the estate of the late actress to seek permission for this.
Fisher passed away last month, aged 60, after suffering a cardiac arrest on a flight to Los Angeles. She had finished filming her scenes for Episode VIII, and was expected to appear in Episode IX, which is currently being scripted.
Her death left a question mark over how Lucasfilm and Disney would handle the future of Princess Leia, and some were concerned that the beloved character would be digitally recreated in upcoming instalments of the series.
Last year’s Rogue One featured a CGI version of the young Princess Leia, and brought the late actor Peter Cushing back via digital effects, a move that caused considerable controversy among fans.
In a statement released overnight, Lucasfilm clarified its intentions, saying that it has “no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher’s performance”, and that Episode VIII will be her last film in the series.
The company went on to say:
“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 honour everything she gave to Star Wars.”
Fisher’s mother Debbie Reynolds died the day after her daughter, and both were laid to rest in a private service.
Source: BBC News.
Photo: Sunset Boulevard / Getty Images.
