Rian Johnson didn’t change "a thing" in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ in the wake of Carrie Fisher’s death.
The Hollywood legend reprised her role as General Leia Organa, alongside fellow veterans Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill, in the seventh instalment of the franchise ‘The Force Awakens’ and had shot all her scenes for ‘Episode VIII’ before she tragically died in December 2016 at the age of 60.
Rumours have circulated that Leia’s story arch was altered as she would no longer be part of ‘Episode IX’ but Johnson insists Fisher’s performance was "totally complete" and he made no alterations to his film.
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, Johnson, 43, said: "We didn’t end up changing a thing. Luckily, we had a totally complete performance from her."
Johnson recently revealed the latest movie will be a "really sad, but really joyful" experience for filmgoers as it will remind fans about Fisher’s death.
In October, Johnson said: "I felt very strongly that we don’t try and change her performance. It will be really sad, but really joyful.
"Having these scenes in the film re-contextualises tragically her not being here anymore, it’s incredibly emotional. For the next few months, seeing the fans … process the loss and celebrate her as Leia one last time, it’s going to be intense. I think it’s going to be really sad but really joyful, I hope. She really kicks butt as General Leia, and I’m happy for that."
‘The Last Jedi’ also features ‘Star Wars’ legend Hamill as Jedi Master Luke Skywalker – who was seen briefly in the 2015’s ‘The Force Awakens’.
Other cast members include Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Andy Serkis (Snoke) and Domhnall Gleeson (General Lux) who are all reprising their roles.
‘The Last Jedi’ hits cinemas this December.
Rian Johnson didn’t alter Last Jedi after Carrie Fisher’s death
