It still feels surreal as well as it feels like it's too early to be talking about this, but the movie industry is a business and when there is an unfortunate passing hard topics still need to be discussed. This is the case with the sad passing of Carrie Fisher and her ongoing role as General (Princess) Leia Organa in the upcoming STAR WARS EPISODE VIII and STAR WARS EPISODE IX.
Fisher has already finished her scenes for Episode VIII, however, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Leia was set for an even bigger role in Episode IX citing two alleged major scenes. One scene would have been a reunion with her brother Luke Skywalker and the other was a confrontation with her son Ben (Kylo Ren).
Episode VIII writer and director Rian Johnson also penned the treatment for Episode IX for its current writing duo Colin Trevorrow, who is also directing Episode IX, and Derek Connelly. Johnson is deep into his post-production work for Episode VIII so it remains unknown if or how much he may have to tweak in Episode VIII during reshoots in the coming months to accommodate Fisher's passing. But Trevorrow is reportedly going to Lucasfilm next week to meet with its braintrust and story group to figure out the best approach to adapting Leia's story in Episode IX.
It really comes down to either having Leia's death off-screen (which might be seen as being too shallow to honor our fallen Princess and General), on-screen (which could be too gut wrenching for many to see), or maybe go the route of using facial CG on a stand-in performer (which had mixed fan and critic opinions when seen in ROGUE ONE). All of these, and maybe a few other options, must be very tough for Lucasfilm right now.
The right thing to do is figure out the best way to honor Fisher's Leia in both Episode VIII and Episode IX. It is a very touchy subject for many who are currently grieving and who will be grieving for many years. Fans everywhere have their fingers crossed Lucasfilm will make the best possible decision to make all parties happy after such a sad occurrence.
Rest in peace Princess and may the Force be with you, always.
STAR WARS EPISODE VIII releases on December 15.
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