Contrary to earlier reports about Disney negotiating with the estate of the late Carrie Fisher to use her likeness in future "Star Wars" films, it appears that this will not be the case. Lucasfilm released a statement on Friday following plenty of fan speculation regarding the future of her Princess Leia character after the beloved actress tragically passed away in December.
"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 statement read. The company continued by saying that Carrie "was, is, and will always be part of the Lucasfilm family." They also mention how they are still hurting from her unexpected and sudden passing. The entire press release can be read on the official Star Wars website.
The Guardian has also reported that Disney has denied they are negotiating with Carrie Fisher's estate to get permission to use her likeness. News of Disney negotiating with Fisher's estate was first reported in an episode of BBC's Newsnight program. The Walt Disney Company released a statement to address these rumors saying they are not in conversations with the late actress' estate at this time and "any reports to the contrary are completely false."
Fisher's likeness as a young Princess Leia as she appeared in the first "Star Wars" movie released in 1977 was rendered digitally and appeared in the final scenes of the prequel "Rogue One" along with the digitally rendered likeness of the late Peter Cushing. Since Leia had been expected to play a very important part in Episodes VIII and IX, reports have emerged claiming that Disney is already considering a number of options to continue the sci-fi franchise following Fisher's death.
Fisher had already finished filming all of her scenes for Episode VIII and was expected to return for Episode IX before passing away unexpectedly as a result of a heart attack. A petition was also launched on Change.org earlier in this month with fans asking Disney to make Princess Leia an official "Disney Princess". The petition has so far managed to attract close to 53,000 signatures.
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