That Hair Style

Carrie and Billie on set
Mother Directing Daughter

Billie talks in length about what it was like joining a movie project she held in such high regard for so long as well as her mother’s reactions and interactions while on set.

When designing the details of the character, when it came to hairstyles, there was only one way to go. After initially hating the hairstyle back in the 70’s, Carrie insisted Billie carry on the tradition of “The Buns”.

Some people carry on their family name, some people carry on holiday traditions–I was going to carry on the family hairstyle. So after we tested a few other space-appropriate hairstyles, we decided to embrace the weird galactic nepotism of it all and went with the mini–Leia buns. She stood in the mirror behind me and smiled like we had gotten matching tattoos. Our secret-handshake hairstyle.

Billie Lourd

Assuming The Mantle

Billie goes on to talk about her role as Lt. Connix and acting with her mother. She talks about what it was like when her mom passed away, and JJ asking her to return for Episode 9. This was her response:

J.J. asked me if I would want to come back as Lieutenant Connix. I knew it would be one of the most painful, difficult things I would ever do, but I said yes for her–for my mom. For Leia. For everyone Leia means so much to. For everyone Leia gives strength to. For my future kids, so someday they’ll have one more movie to watch that Mommy and Grandma were in together. So they can ask me about the lady–now ladies–in the TV and tell me to turn it down because it’s too loud.

I grew up with three parents: a mom, a dad and Princess Leia. Initially, Princess Leia was kind of like my stepmom. Now she’s my guardian angel. And I’m her keeper.

Billie Lourd

Reading the full letter is quite a moving tribute from Billie to her mother, sharing everything Carrie meant to her and how Star Wars influenced them. You can read the whole letter HERE.

Where from here?

Debbie Reynolds Carrie Fisher and Billie Lourd
Then There Was One

It has been fun watching Billie Lourd acting in the Star Wars movies. She starts as Carrie’s daughter in the background pushing buttons to the more forward role in The Last Jedi. I cannot wait to see with Connix in the final movie and how it will grow or interact with Leia and her loss.

I wish we would get more movies post Rise of Skywalker, which continue the story. I really want to know what happens with Connix and her career in the Resistance. I also hope to catch more of Billie Lourd and her acting career. What was it a wise man once said – We shall watch your career with great interest.