Star Wars
Star Wars: Episode IX brings back Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher.Facebook/Star Wars Movies

Star Wars: Episode IX is almost a year and a half away from the scheduled release but fans from around the world are celebrating the return of Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). The upcoming Star Wars sequel trilogy will be co-written and directed by J. J. Abrams.

In December 2016, following the death of Carrie Fisher, many speculated on whether her role of Princess Leia would be recast for Episode IX or whether J. J. Abrams will make changes to the story. It was also announced by Lucasfilm that they would not digitally recreate Fisher's performance. Although it was later announced that Fisher will, in fact, appear in Star Wars: Episode IX using unreleased footage from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

In a statement released by Abrams, the acclaimed director talked about their decision to incorporate unused footage of the late actor from The Force Awakens. Abrams added that it was not possible to end the Skywalker saga without Fisher.

"We were never going to recast or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie [Lourd], 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," he added.

Following the announcement, Mark Hamill, took to Twitter to pay tribute to his co-star and longtime friend. Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher have been portraying the brother and sister duo of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa since Star Wars: A New Hope debuted in 1977. In a sweet message, Hamill tweeted that the Carie Fisher is "simply irreplaceable."

In addition to this, the recent press release announced that Star Wars: Episode IX will be the final installment of the Skywalker saga. The nine-part Han Solo/Luke Skywalker saga that has spanned over 42 years is finally coming to an end. In the future, there will be more Star Wars films, but the possibility of Mark Hamill's return in any of them are pretty slim.

Star Wars: Episode IX will feature Daisey Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Issac, Kelly Marie, and Fisher's daughter, Billie Lourd. The filming begins on August 1 at Pinewood Studios in London. As of now, the film's release date is December 20, 2019.