Alright, let’s take a trip to a galaxy far, far away. George Lucas’s iconic space saga, which first blasted off in 1977, is wrapping up this December with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. But here’s the twist—this finale also brings back the late Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa, alongside her daughter Billie Lourd, for an emotional on-screen reunion. It’s a moment that’s as poignant as it is powerful.
Carrie Fisher’s Legacy Lives On
When Star Wars reawakened in 2015 with Episode VII: The Force Awakens, Carrie Fisher was back in full force, reprising her role as Princess Leia (later General Leia Organa). She also starred in Episode VIII: The Last Jedi and was expected to play a pivotal role in The Rise of Skywalker. But tragedy struck when Carrie passed away on December 27, 2016, leaving fans and filmmakers alike wondering how they’d honor her legacy in the final chapter of this epic story.
Meanwhile, Billie Lourd, Carrie’s real-life daughter, had already been part of the trilogy, playing Lieutenant Connix. Now, though, there’s a twist: Billie will not only return but also share the screen with her mom in ways that bring back some unforgettable moments from the past.
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No CGI Tricks Here
Now, I know what you might be thinking: "They’re going to use CGI to bring Carrie back, right?" Wrong. Director and co-writer J.J. Abrams made it crystal clear to Vanity Fair that they weren’t going down that road. Instead, they dug deep into unused footage. Turns out, Carrie had filmed extra scenes—including some with Billie—that were cut from The Force Awakens. These gems are now being woven seamlessly into The Rise of Skywalker.
J.J. Abrams described the process as nothing short of magical. “It’s hard to even talk about it without sounding like I’m spouting cosmic nonsense,” he admitted. “But it felt like we stumbled upon an impossible solution to an impossible problem. It was like solving a puzzle with pieces we didn’t even know we had.”

Billie Lourd’s Role in This Emotional Journey
J.J. initially thought about protecting Billie by cutting out any scenes where she appeared alongside her mom. But Billie insisted otherwise. “She wanted those moments to be included,” J.J. revealed. “There are scenes where they talk, scenes where they touch, and moments where Carrie is just there. It’s almost surreal, like Carrie herself orchestrated it all. Somehow, it all worked—and I never thought it would.”
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters on December 20, giving fans one last chance to celebrate the legacy of Carrie Fisher and her unforgettable character, Leia Organa.
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