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Credit: LucasfilmPrincess Leia Organa is one of the most recognizable Star Wars characters ever, and Carrie Fisher has been synonymous with the role since she first donned those iconic double hair buns. Now, a new actress is set to take on the role.
Leia Appearances in Star Wars
Carrie Fisher brought Leia to life in George Lucas’ original trilogy. She first appeared as Leia in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), before returning in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).
However, the character’s story didn’t end with those original films. Leia later appeared in animated form in Star Wars Rebels (2014–2018), where she was voiced by Julie Dolan. She also returned to the big screen in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), with Ingvild Deila physically performing Leia while Fisher’s likeness was digitally superimposed onto the actress.
She also appeared in the animated series Star Wars: Forces of Destiny (2017–2018), where she was voiced by Shelby Young.
Related: ‘Star Wars’ Animated Film Series With Han, Luke, and Leia Could Relaunch the Franchise
After 32 years away from the role, Fisher reprised the role for the Star Wars sequel trilogy, appearing in The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and, through previously unreleased footage, The Rise of Skywalker (2019), which was released three years after the actress’ death in 2016.
The character was also brought into live action at a much younger age in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022), with Vivien Lyra Blair portraying the child version of Leia opposite Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Now, Lucasfilm has officially recast Princess Leia once again.
Related: Lucasfilm Officially Changes ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ Ending After 49 Years
A New Hope Gets a New Cast
As part of the franchise’s 50th anniversary in 2027, Disney, Lucasfilm, Welsh broadcaster S4C, and Creative Wales have announced the first-ever official Welsh-language version of A New Hope.
Titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, the new version will feature an all-new Welsh voice cast.
Aimee-Ffion Edwards Is the New Leia
Among them is Welsh actor Aimee-Ffion Edwards, who has officially taken over the role of Princess Leia from Carrie Fisher’s original performance.
For Edwards, the role adds another Star Wars connection to an already impressive career. She is best known for her roles as Shirley Dander in Slow Horses, Shelby in Peaky Blinders, and Jenny Jones in Luther.
Edwards is joined by an impressive Welsh cast, including Matthew Rhys as Han Solo, Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Osian Morgan as Luke Skywalker.
Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd will premiere on S4C and its streaming platforms on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026.
What do you think of Aimee-Ffion Edwards taking over as Princess Leia? Let us know in the comments below!
