There are few movies and franchises that we examine with such a fine-tooth comb as Star Wars. For better or worse, every piece of information regarding the series that comes out of Disney and Lucasfilm is immediately put under a microscope and used to infer the future of the films. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do here. Here are the five biggest takeaways from the casting announcement for Star Wars: Episode IX.
1. Carrie Fisher is back as Leia
The announcement features an entire paragraph on this news, but this revelation is so huge that it could have easily warranted its own press release. Since the tragic passing of Carrie Fisher back in 2016, fans have wondered if and how Fisher’s iconic character would return to Episode IX. And now we finally have our answer.
Despite fears and debate, Leia will not return via CGI tomfoolery like Tarkin in Rogue One and will not be recast (sorry to those wishing to see Meryl Streep step into the role). Instead, the film will utilize unused footage from The Force Awakens to include our favorite (Disney) princess in Episode IX.
Without knowing exactly how this plan will play out, I still believe this is the best scenario we could have wished for. Considering the kind of online firestorms that Star Wars has been victim to lately, just imagine how much controversy a CG character or recasting would cause? Similarly, killing Leia off-screen (probably via the opening crawl) or finding a contrived way to keep her on the sidelines would come with potential pitfalls. Using previously shot footage gives us the greatest chance for a satisfying conclusion to Leia’s journey in the Star Wars universe.
2. Billy Dee Williams is back as Lando
This news is certainly less earth-shattering but still headline worthy. Rumors have been swirling online that Williams would reprise his role as Lando Calrissian, and we finally have some confirmation. After bringing back the core cast from the Original Trilogy (Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, and the droids) in The Force Awakens, there was a nagging feeling that something (or someone) was missing. Lando is a crucial member of the Original Trilogy, and not including him in the Sequel Trilogy would truly have been a mistake.
Assuming that Leia and Luke (more on him soon) will only have small parts in Episode IX, Lando has the opportunity to help solidify the connective tissue between trilogies. And do we really need an excuse for more Lando? Despite the lukewarm reactions to Solo, everyone could at least agree that Donald Glover stole the show as young Lando. Assuming he still can muster up the old charm, seeing Williams back in the role should be a treat.
3. Mark Hamill is back as Luke
This tidbit isn’t much of a surprise but is certainly welcome news. The end of The Last Jedi obviously left Luke Skywalker with limited opportunities to come back in Episode IX, so this announcement gives us a pretty clear sense of how this Jedi will return. But what do you expect from a guy whose greatest mentors are ghosts?
The most exciting part about this news is that it likely means we’ll get to see Luke continue to play a role in Rey’s (Daisy Ridley) growth as a Force user and potentially have another word to say to his nephew. And for those fans disappointed with the character’s portrayal in The Last Jedi, perhaps we will find a Luke less burdened by his mistakes and more willing to accept his status as a legendary hero. However big or small a part he’ll play in the movie, Hamill’s return is more than welcome. With this film being described as the conclusion to the Skywalker saga, having Luke come back was a really a no brainer.
4. The end of the Skywalker saga
The announcement mentions not once, not twice, but three times that Episode IX will be the last installment in the Skywalker saga. This wording is no doubt intentional. This single phrase keys us in on the entire trajectory of the franchise from here. The filmmakers are not saying we won’t have any more movies or episodes. They aren’t saying that characters introduced in the Sequel Trilogy (Rey, Finn, Poe, Rose, Kylo Ren, BB-8, etc.) will not be featured in future films. Instead, the clear message is that the Skywalker family will no longer be the focus of the franchise. Considering how much emphasis that The Last Jedi placed on needing to “kill” the past, this move makes sense. For Star Wars to remain relevant, the series needs to explore other corners of the galaxies and get fans invested in new characters.
5. Kelly Marie Tran is back as Rose
Anyone that was afraid that backlash from a small segment of jaded fans would impact the plan for Episode IX can relax. The diversity on display in The Last Jedi will be back front and center in the conclusion to the Sequel Trilogy. Women and people of color are now the face of the Star Wars universe, and the franchise will be all the better for it. This news is especially important given all of the social media hate that Kelly Marie Tran received after playing Rose. With so much of the vitriol aimed her way, Tran should be applauded for staying true to herself and returning to a role she made her own.
As we anticipate the release of Episode IX, fans can be assured that the torch has truly been passed. The series now belongs to Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Kelly Marie Tran. And that, even as we focus so much on everyone returning from the Original Trilogy, is something to celebrate.
