Carrie Fisher retracts 'confirmation' of Princess Leia return in 'Star Wars'

Rep says that the actress was 'joking'

By DonKaye_ParallelUniverse Mar 6, 2013 6:10PM

After it was breathlessly reported all over the Internet that Carrie Fisher had "confirmed" her appearance in a new "Star Wars" movie, it now looks like the news was a bit premature.

Bing: More on Carrie Fisher | Bing: More on 'Star Wars Episode VII'

Entertainment and film news websites lit up with the news this morning that Fisher had definitively told Palm Beach Illustrated that she was set to reprise her iconic role as Princess Leia in "Star Wars Episode VII," the first in a new trilogy of films set in the universe that George Lucas created 36 years ago.

Asked if she was coming back, Fisher said, "Yes," and even offered her own idea of what Leia would be like now: "Elderly. She's in an intergalactic old folks' home. I just think she would be just like she was before, only slower and less inclined to be up for the big battle."

That last part clearly sounds like she was kidding, but the media took that single "yes" and made headlines around it -- except that a rep for Fisher told CNN that the actress "was joking" about that too.

While it is known that Fisher and fellow stars Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Harrison Ford (Han Solo) are negotiating to appear in the new J.J. Abrams-directed movie, nothing has been officially announced at all about their participation. Yet the media -- and we're no exception -- has been seizing on any tidbit of information, no matter how out of context or random, and running with it.

So what do you say, can we stop with the "Star Wars" insanity until Abrams, LucasFilm and new owners Disney actually reveal something for real? Somehow, we doubt the answer to that will be "yes."

"Star Wars Episode VII" is out in theaters...eventually.

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15Comments

Best

Mar 6, 2013 8:44PM

Well, here are a few things about the new Star Wars movies that are fairly obvious to deduce.

1. The story would have to revolve around events which occurred after Episode VI Return of the Jedi, otherwise and episode numeric sequence would make absolutely no sense. Renumbering the previous episodes wouldn't be an option either. Way too much work and negatively impacts the previous marketing campaigns far too much.

2. The timeline would most likely be decades after the events depicted in Return of the Jedi. I very much doubt that building a new Republic government and chasing down Empire remnants would make for very compelling plot devices or cinematic viewing. We can just tune into C-Span to have our fill of the 'political intrigue'.

3. I would not be surprised if any of the old cast returns, even if only in supporting or cameo roles for the first movie at least. JJ Abrams already did this with regards to the Star Trek reboot by casting an old timer in Spock. By doing that, it will give the audience a sense of continuity and lend some instant credibility to this newest addition to the franchise.

4. It will most likely still be very child friendly but less so than Episodes 1-3 and certainly without the dreaded Jar Jar Binks insanity. Even George Lucas should have learned from that disaster.

I'm sure there are a few more things but this is all I can think of at the moment.

Previous replies

Postal Mark

Mar 6, 2013 6:32PM

The whole idea of new SW movies is ridiculous. The story ended with "Return of the Jedi", and going back to the well again is just not good...and I'm a fan!

Previous replies

johnpaul

Mar 6, 2013 9:24PM

It's always nice to know that the warm fuzzy nostalgic feelings from the original trilogy are still strong and kicking. I too, have some rather nice memories from those early days. Yet anything concerning Hollywood sequels, prequels etc... one has to be careful not to raise any expectations. So as with the Federal government so too with Hollywood both institutions have the uncanny ability to f*ck up a wet dream. Guess why they get along so well.

Anyway good luck to Abrams and the new installment. Looking forward to seeing the movie

Previous replies

mamamichi

Mar 6, 2013 7:46PM

she's such a funny lady! i loved her as leia but i'm thinking she should not reprise her role again for the new one, she is just too old now. i know that sounds har**** not like she is ancient or anything but hollywood now expects actresses that are in their 50's to look like they are in their 30's. She just looks like a regular mid 50's woman, nothing wrong with that for real people, but might not work out so well in movies.