Last week we got our first look at Star Wars: Resistance, the first animated series set in the sequel era of the saga, showing off the show’s anime-inspired cel-shaded art style and new protagonist Kaz. While we already knew that the likes of BB-8, Captain Phasma and Poe Dameron would feature in the series (with Gwendoline Christie and Oscar Isaac on board), we now know that another major classic Star Wars character will have a role on the show: General Leia Organa.
The former Princess will be voiced by Rachel Butera, who Tweeted about her role in the new series. “I can finally announce that I have the incomprehensible honor of voicing the role of Leia Organa in the new Star Wars Resistance out this October,” she wrote, also thanking Carrie Fisher. The return of Leia makes sense – Resistance is set before The Force Awakens following the good guys as the threat of the First Order grows, so it’s only natural that the General would be featured in the show. As for how often she appears, that remains to be seen. The show, created by Dave Filoni, is set to premiere on 7 October on the Disney Channel.
With Star Wars: Episode IX currently shooting, Disney recently confirmed that Leia will return in the closing chapter of the current Skywalker trilogy using previously-unseen footage of Carrie Fisher originally shot for The Force Awakens. “We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” director JJ Abrams said in a statement. “Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast, or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.” Fisher passed away suddenly in December 2016, a year before the release of The Last Jedi.
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