Star Wars: Episode IX is currently in production right now, and the experience for the cast and crew is certainly bittersweet for a multitude of reasons. Not only is this the closing chapter of the Sequel Trilogy and the entire Skywalker Saga, but this is also a production without Carrie Fisher being present. Although unused The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi footage is going to be utilized, with Fisher no longer with us, there is a bit of a void on set – but Fisher’s real-life daughter Billie Lourd is confident that the film will still be something special.
Lourd, who plays Lieutenant Connix in both The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi is reprising her role in Episode IX as the Resistance continues to fend off against the First Order. In previous press releases and credit blocks in promotion for the film, Billie Lourd was never included among the list of names but with the first Episode IX press release and cast list from August, it seems like she may have a larger role in Episode IX.
The actress spoke with Entertainment Tonight about her experience on the set of the film, expressing excitement about carrying the legacy:
“I gotta watch myself because the Star Wars PD is going to come get me, but it is incredible. I’ve read the script and I’ve been on set. I was on set for, like, three weeks back in September, and it is going to be magical.”
Lourd granted co-writer/director J.J. Abrams and company the blessing to use unused footage of her late mother as General Leia Organa in Episode IX.
Are you excited to see how Episode IX closes out the Star Wars saga? Sound off in the comments below, and may the Force be with you.
The next Star Wars film stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell, Matt Smith, Dominic Monaghan, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, and Mark Hamill.
Star Wars: Episode IX hits theaters December 20, 2019. Stay tuned to Heroic Hollywood for the latest news on the future of the Star Wars franchise as we learn it.
Source: ET Online
