Star Wars: Episode IX is set to begin principal photography on Wednesday August 1, 2018 at London’s Pinewood Studios. J.J. Abrams is set to return to the director’s chair for the final installment in the Sequel Trilogy and numerous actors and actresses such as Mark Hamill, John Boyega and Carrie Fisher were confirmed to appear in the highly-anticipated film.
The announcement of Fisher appearing in Star Wars: Episode IX was surprising to some, given that General Leia Organa’s involvement in the film was at the center of constant speculation among fans ever since Star Wars: The Last Jedi hit theaters. Abrams confirmed that previously unreleased footage from Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be utilized to help have Fisher’s onscreen presence remain in the final chapter of the Skywalker Saga.
With this announcement, Hamill shared a tribute to his beloved space sister as he prepares to begin production:
It's bittersweet facing my final chapter without her-She is simply irreplaceable. I'm finding solace in the fact that she won't BE replaced & would love the worldwide outpouring of affection from those who loved her when they heard the news.#CarrieOnForever pic.twitter.com/7ueMqBxQwa
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) July 29, 2018
Boyega shared Hamill’s tribute, expressing his love to his co-star as they both intend to honor Fisher’s legacy:
We will get through it dad 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 #CarrieOnForever https://t.co/KzN1cAjKNY
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) July 29, 2018
Hamill, Boyega and the rest of the cast will likely have a bittersweet experience filming Star Wars: Episode IX knowing Fisher is no longer with us. But thankfully, this film will be integral in not only the legacy of the franchise, but also Fisher’s contributions to cinematic history and strong heroines in blockbusters. #CarrieOnForever indeed.
Directed by J.J. Abrams from a script he co-wrote with Chris Terrio, the 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, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams and Carrie Fisher.
Star Wars: Episode IX will arrive in our galaxy on December 20, 2019.
Source: Twitter
