MOVIE NEWS – Some days ago, it was extensively reported, that Disney and Lucasfilm were on a board meeting to debate the possibility of bringing Princess Leia back for future films by digitally restoring Carrie Fisher for a CG performance, as they brought back her 19-year-old self for the cameo in Rogue One. Those meetings were made on January 10. And now we have their decision: here is the official declaration from StarWars.com.

“We don’t normally respond to fan or press speculation, but there is a rumor circulating that we would like to address. We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher‘s performance as Princess or General Leia Organa.”

The declaration doesn’t go into details, explaining, exactly what was discussed regarding Leia continuing in the Star Wars universe. Or how will they explain her absence in Star Wars: Episode IX. What was however confirmed, is that all of Carrie Fisher’s scenes were shot for Star Wars: Episode VIII. The official Disney PR goes on to say this.

“Carrie Fisher was, is, and always will be a part of the Lucasfilm family. She was our princess, our general, and more importantly, our friend. We are still hurting from her loss. We cherish her memory and legacy as Princess Leia, and will always strive to honor everything she gave to Star Wars.”

Soon after Carrie Fisher‘s demise, it was reported that Star Wars 9 director Colin Trevorrow attended a meeting with Lucasfilm and Disney about a huge Star Wars 9 rewrite, which could also affect Star Wars 8 moving forward. It is believed that Leia will have a bigger role in Episode 8, which was also meant to expand in Star Wars 9. Unfortunately, the story has to be rewritten now to account for Fisher’s sad demise.

We are also aware that there are two key scenes for General Leia Organa that happen between Star Wars 8 and Star Wars 9. One of them features a reunion between Leia and her twin brother Luke Skywalker. This scene, or at least part of it, was already shot. The second important scene shows Leia come face to face with Kylo Ren. It has been reported that some or all of Leia’s scenes may be cut from Star Wars 8 so that the story can continue in Star Wars 9, a problem that has not been discussed in any official capacity by Disney or Lucasfilm. There’s a heavy assumption that the reunion between Luke and Leia comes in the final moments of Star Wars 8, with that being the final scene. If it’s true, this moment may be excised from the movie for the simple fact that they won’t be able to continue it in the next chapter.

At this time, no one knows how this will affect Star Wars 8, which hits theaters in this December. Substantial reshoots are likely to happen in the very near future.