CONFIRMED! Carrie Fisher will appear in FINAL Star Wars Episode IX

Ever since Carrie Fisher’s untimely passing in December 2016, fans have been wondering how her character Leia Organa will be handled in Star Wars Episode IX. Well, the official Star Wars website has confirmed that Fisher will be appearing as Leia in the as yet untitled film via unused footage shot for The Force Awakens. Director JJ Abrams had this to say about the decision:

“Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast, or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.”

It’s also worth noting that the press release lists Episode IX as the final installment of the Skywalker saga, and that Mark Hamill is among the returning cast.