Mark Hamill Talks About Carrie Fisher In Star Wars: Episode IX

Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill has responded to the news that his on-screen sister, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, will be brought back to the series posthumously with unused footage. He called the plan "bittersweet" but gave thanks to the fans for their support. Spoilers for The Last Jedi follow.

"It's bittersweet facing my final chapter without her," he wrote on Twitter. "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." The tweet included images of the two together from their time on-set during The Last Jedi and the classic trilogy.

The casting for the untitled Episode IX was recently announced, and included Fisher's name in the credits. Director JJ Abrams said they will utilize unused footage that was shot for Episode VII to bring the character back and honor her legacy.

The rest of the cast includes the expected returning players, like Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Kelly Marie Tran. Hamill will be returning as well, despite his character's apparent death in The Last Jedi. Billy Dee Williams will be coming back for the first time since 1983 to reprise his role as Lando. Newcomers include Naomi Ackie (Lady Macbeth) and Richard E. Grant (Logan).

Star Wars: Episode IX will release December 20, 2019.