It's hard to imagine Star Wars without Carrie Fisher as Leia, but Lucasfilm's writers, producers and directors are now set to decide the character's future in Episode IX and beyond.
A report in THR has it that Colin Trevorrow, who's set to direct Episode IX, is due to meet with Kathleen Kennedy next week to decide what happens with Princess / General Leia going forward. As we previously reported, Fisher had completed her filming for Episode VIII and was due to have a much larger role in the upcoming film.
As it stands, Episode VIII is in post-production whilst Episode IX has yet to begin filming and the script, such as it is, may now be heavily rewritten to take Leia out of the equation. Speculation is rife as to what will happen with regards to Fisher's completed work, with everything from CGI to reediting Episode VIII to spread out Fisher's work into Episode IX being floated as a possible option. An entire rewrite of Episode IX may even take place to take the character's role down.
Rogue One, as we know, featured major reshoots and has been hugely successful both with critics and audiences alike. Therefore, Lucasfilm might be more open to the idea of reshoots for Episode VIII and IX now. THR's report states that two major scenes with Leia were planned and filmed for Episode VIII, one of which includes her reuniting with Luke Skywalker and the other confronting her son, Kylo Ren.
Whether or not these scenes will feature in Episode VIII remains to be seen, but one thing's for certain - Star Wars just won't be the same without Carrie Fisher.
Via THR
