Carrie Fisher Won't Appear in Star Wars: Episode IX

Since Carrie Fisher passed away in December, fans have been wondering if the Star Wars legend will appear in Star Wars: Episode IX. A few months ago, Disney and Lucasfilm pledged that they would not revive the actress via CGI technology --something they used for her Rogue One cameo -- but earlier this month, her brother Todd said that he and Carrie's daughter Billie Lourd have given them permission to feature previously filmed footage of the late actress in the 2019 film.

However, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy confirmed today that Carrie will not appear in Episode IX. Speaking to ABC, she said:

"Sadly, Carrie will not be in Nine. But we will see a lot of Carrie in Eight."

Kennedy added: "We finished everything [with Leia) in Eight, and Carrie is absolutely phenomenal in the movie. And we're so happy that we were able to complete shooting in the summer. Unfortunately, Carrie passed away. So, by the time we were well underway with Episode Nine, in our thoughts we had not written the script yet. But we've regrouped. We started over again in January, so, sadly, Carrie will not be in Nine."

EXCLUSIVE: Lucasfilm President Kathy Kennedy says Carrie Fisher will NOT be in @StarWars Episode 9 as General Leia. #SWCO#TheLastJedipic.twitter.com/gxH80QteYb

— Good Morning America (@GMA)

April 14, 2017

It's sad to know that Carrie won't be in Episode IX, but of course, that's more ideal that seeing another actress replacing her or featuring a CGI version of her in a saga film.

Star Wars: Episode IX will be directed by Jurassic World helmer Colin Trevorrow.

Directed by Rian Johnson, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is set to release in theaters on December 15, 2017. The film also features returning stars John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Peter Mayhew, Andy Serkis, Anthony Daniels, Lupita Nyong'o Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher. Benicio Del Toro, and Kelly Marie Tran and Laura Dern make their Star Wars debut in this film.

Source: Deadline