Star Wars: Episode 9 - 10 Things The Fans Demand
8. The Right Sendoff For Princess Leia
One of the most challenging conundrums J.J. Abrams and Star Wars Episode IX faces is how to conclude Princess Leia's story arc in the wake of Carrie Fisher's tragic passing. Not only must the movie honour the legacy of an iconic character, it must do so while being respectful to a great actress who left this mortal coil too soon.
There were a number of options available to Abrams - from digital resurrection a la Peter Cushing in Rogue One, to recasting the role - none of which were ideal.
Fortunately, Lucasfilm's recent casting announcement confirmed that a non-digital Fisher will appear in Episode IX, spliced in via unused Force Awakens footage. Fingers crossed this approach won't limit the movie too much in terms of what it can do with Leia, because this Star Wars legend deserves a fitting sendoff.
If nothing else, her end should be heroic, poignant and impactful on the story as a whole, all while paying homage to Fisher. Whether that's possible with repurposed footage remains to be seen, but the fans live in hope.