Continuing a film series when an actor portraying one its main characters passes away is no easy feat. Sometimes studios will do it through the use of CGI and a body double, and unused scenes and dialogue. The Fast and the Furious franchise managed it following Paul Walker’s untimely death in 2013. Lucasfilm faced a similar task with Star Wars after Carrie Fisher, Princess-turned-General Organa, passed away two years ago. According to Fisher’s brother Todd, however, the studio has done right by his sister.
Carrie Fisher’s brother appeared on Good Morning America on the second anniversary of her death in December. Naturally, he discussed his sister’s life and career. (Some tend to forget the illustrious career she enjoyed outside of Star Wars.) Of course, the conversation eventually turned to Star Wars: Episode IX. J.J. Abrams had already announced that they would utilize previously unseen footage from The Force Awakens to feature General Organa in Episode IX. Consequently, according to Todd Fisher, her appearance in the film will “feel completely natural.”
Carrie Fisher/General Organa Footage “Meant to Be”
Lucasfilm had, as comicbookmovie.com notes, already nixed the idea of using CGI or, God forbid, a replacement actor to portray General Organa. Thankfully, there is apparently plenty of material at the studio’s disposal:
“There’s a lot of minutes of footage. I don’t mean just outtakes,” Todd Fisher says. “This is unused, new content that could be woven into the storyline. That’s what’s going to give everybody such a great kick. It’s going to look like it was meant to be. Like it was shot yesterday.”
That’s good news for fans who were worried about how the film would honor Carrie Fisher’s memory. Granted, Todd Fisher is obviously biased, but knowing that the Fisher family is pleased with how Lucasfilm has handled the General Organa character is refreshing. “We’re not allowed to talk about the details of anything,” he continued. “But we’re thrilled at what’s been done.”
Based on what we know, it seems logical that Carrie Fisher/General Organa will appear much the same way she did in this That Hashtag Show exclusive from 2015:
With all of the hype and rumor surrounding Episode IX, it’s comforting to know that Princess Leia/General Organa won’t be relegated to CGI filler or afterthought. In fact, Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, has called filming the last Skywalker saga installment “magical”.
J.J. Abrams has a difficult task, indeed. Thanks to Carrie Fisher’s brother and daughter, however, fans have some sense of comfort. With any luck, we’ll get some sneak-peak/teaser footage soon.
Star Wars: Episode IX opens later this year on December 20.
Source: comicbook.com
