Star Wars Celebration 2017 has been an incredible experience for fans so far. With the franchise celebrating its 40th anniversary, and the release of the trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, fans have had a lot to celebrate. But there's also been a sense of sorrow hanging over the event — because this, of course, is the first Star Wars Celebration since the passing of the late, great Carrie Fisher.
Carrie Fisher's death has left Lucasfilm in a difficult position. Princess Leia played an important role in The Force Awakens, and by all accounts she's a vital character in The Last Jedi. But, of course, Lucasfilm never planned for Leia's story to end in #TheLastJedi.
Where do they go from here? With rumors swirling that the studio would find a way to bring Leia back, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has finally gone public.
Carrie Fisher's Princess Leia Will Not Be In Episode IX
In a statement that's sure to wrench hearts across the Galaxy, Kennedy told ABC News:
"Sadly, Carrie will not be in [Episode] Nine. But we will see a lot of Carrie in Eight."
It's an official statement, and it brings to an end months of speculation. In the wake of Fisher's death, fans speculated that Lucasfilm could yet use the character of Princess Leia. Attention immediately focused in on Rogue One's resurrection of Peter Cushing's Tarkin, with fans speculating that Industrial Light & Magic could use CGI to recreate Leia.
Lucasfilm wisely ruled that out after meeting with Fisher's daughter Billie Lourd, clearly considering it disrespectful to the legendary actress.
CGI had been used in 'Rogue One' before Carrie's untimely death. [Credit: Lucasfilm]
The last month has seen conflicting reports. Disney CEO Bob Iger himself clarified that The Last Jedi would not be changed to reflect Fisher's passing (he also restated that CGI would not be used to bring Leia back).
Then, just a few days ago, Carrie's brother Todd Fisher revealed that her estate has given permission for Disney to use recently-shot footage of Carrie Fisher in Episode IX. Referring to Todd's statement, Kathleen Kennedy simply said he was "confused."
It's The Right Move
An iconic heroine. [Credit: Lucasfilm]
I have to say that I think Lucasfilm was facing an impossible situation. Contrary to popular perception, I don't think their first thought was how to please the fans; I think it was simply how to honor a colleague and friend.
Carrie Fisher's death has shaken the tightly-knit Star Wars community, and her friends are still grieving her loss. You can't help but get a sense of their grief when you watch that touching tribute from Star Wars Celebration.
At the same time, however "confused" Todd Fisher may have been, I can't help but feel a strong swell of sympathy. Explaining why the estate had given permission for Carrie to appear in Episode IX, Todd explained:
"[Billie and I] were like, ‘How do you take her out of it?’ And the answer is you don't. She’s as much a part of it as anything and I think her presence now is even more powerful than it was, like Obi-Wan — when the saber cuts him down he becomes more powerful. I feel like that's what's happened with Carrie. I think the legacy should continue ... I think the people deserve to have her. She's owned by them."
It seems likely that Todd has confused The Last Jedi and Episode IX. If that's the case, he's unwittingly hinted that Lucasfilm hasn't removed Leia's role; but they have subtly changed it, using deleted footage in order to find a way to bring Leia's story to a close.
This still fits with the spirit of Bob Iger's earlier statement, given he was explaining that Leia's importance to The Last Jedi would go unchanged, but perhaps this means Leia's story will somehow be resolved before Episode IX.
The passing of Carrie Fisher was a tragedy that shook Hollywood, and even now her fans, family and friends are still reeling. It seems clear that The Last Jedi will be the final time that we see Carrie on the big screen; it will also be the last time we see Princess Leia, too.
The tragic loss of such an iconic figure is going to give that film a strange, bittersweet taste; even as we thrill at the latest Star Wars adventure, we'll also weep as we realize again that this hero has sadly passed away. And yet, of one thing I'm confident: Somehow, in some way, Lucasfilm will ensure that this film is a fitting tribute.
About the Creator
Tom Bacon
A prolific writer and film fan, Tom has a deep love of the superhero genre.
The currency of time.
the not so TheThe -distant future, time had become humanity's most precious commodity. With the rapid advancements in technology, people could now trade time like currency, extending their lives or even selling off moments to the highest bidder. In this world, every second counted, and every minute held immense value.One ordinary citizen, named Alex, found themselves caught in the whirlwind of this time -obsessed society. Living in a bustling metropolis where every minute was meticulously accounted for, Alex struggled to keep pace with the frenetic rhythm of life. Like many others, Alex had a job that consumed the majority of their waking hours, leaving little time for personal pursuits or leisure activities.One day, while rushing to catch the crowded subway train that whisked commuters to their destinations in the blink of an eye, Alex stumbled upon a small, inconspicuous shop nestled between towering skyscrapers. The sign above the door read: "Just A Minute."Intrigued, Alex stepped inside to find a cozy interior adorned with antique clocks of all shapes and sizes. Behind the counter stood an elderly man with a kind smile, his eyes twinkling with wisdom."Welcome, traveler," the old man greeted. "How may I assist you?"Curious, Alex inquired about the shop's peculiar name."Here at Just A Minute, we offer something more valuable than gold or jewels," the old man explained. "We sell time."Alex's interest was piqued. The old man went on to explain that Just A Minute specialized in selling short bursts of time to those who needed it most. Whether it was a minute to catch a breath in the midst of a chaotic day or a minute to savor a precious moment with a loved one, Just A Minute provided a sanctuary from the relentless march of time.Intrigued by the concept, Alex decided to purchase their first minute from the shop. The old man handed over a small hourglass filled with shimmering sand and instructed Alex to use it wisely.As Alex stepped back out into the bustling city streets, they couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation. With the hourglass in hand, Alex took a moment to pause and breathe, relishing in the simple pleasure of being alive.As days turned into weeks, Alex found themselves returning to Just A Minute time and time again. Each visit brought new revelations and experiences, from stolen moments of solitude in a busy world to cherished conversations with strangers who would become friends.But as Alex's reliance on Just A Minute grew, so too did their awareness of the true cost of time. With every minute purchased, a piece of their own lifespan dwindled away, a sobering reminder of the finite nature of existence.Despite this realization, Alex continued to seek solace in the sanctuary of Just A Minute, grappling with the conflicting desires for both fleeting moments of happiness and the elusive promise of a longer life.One fateful day, as Alex stood before the old man in the shop, contemplating yet another purchase, a sudden realization washed over them like a wave. In the pursuit of extending their own lifespan, Alex had been squandering the very moments that made life worth living.With a newfound clarity, Alex made a decision that would change the course of their life forever. Instead of buying another minute, they offered it to someone else in need – a struggling artist on the brink of giving up on their dreams.In that selfless act of generosity, Alex discovered a truth that transcended the confines of time itself. For in giving away their minute, they had gained something far more precious – a sense of purpose and fulfillment that no amount of time could ever buy.And so, as the sun set on the bustling cityscape, Alex walked away from Just A Minute with a lighter heart and a renewed appreciation for the fleeting beauty of each passing moment. For in the end, it wasn't the quantity of time that mattered, but the quality of how it was spent.The
By Eric anexis 2 days ago in Futurism
Midnight
60 seconds… 59 seconds… Time was slipping through his fingers, though he clawed at the falling grains of sand, he could not stop the hourglass from flowing. Around him, the silence was deafening. He had taken over every screen in the command centre, putting the terrible seconds before the terrified eyes of his friends and comrades.
By Alexander McEvoy4 days ago in Fiction
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